






o 

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THE PRINCIPLES 





AND 


GOVERNMENT 


OF THE 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH : 

ALSO, 


A DIRECTORY FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD. 


SUFFOLK) VA : 

CHRISTIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION, 
iprinteb at % $nb£* ©9 he, ^Etersbarg, 

1867. 











SEP 24 1957 







PREFACE. 


The Declaration of Principles, the Form of Gov¬ 
ernment, and the Directory for the Worship of God, 
as here offered to the Church and the public, were de¬ 
vised and prepared by a committee appointed by the 
General Convention of the Christian Church, which 
assembled at Mount Auburn, N. C., in May, 1866. 
The Chairman of this committee was Rev. John N. 
Manning, who performed the larger portion of the 
labor in its preparation. It was presented to the 
body and carefully examined by the whole. A free 
discussion was elicited, and the ground occupied by 
the Church was fully reviewed. The necessity of 
clearly defining our position as a denomination before 
the world, heretofore neglected^ was apparent; and 
all agreed that the fundamental principles and usages 
of the Church were fairly set forth in the papers 
presented, which, being unanimously adopted as a 
whole, were referred, with instructions, to a special 
committee, consisting of Rev. W. B. Wellons, Pre¬ 
sident of the Convention; Rev. John N. Manning, 
Rev. Solomon Apple, and Deacons Thomas J. 
Kilby and Alfked Moring, to be revised and pre¬ 
prepared for publication. 


\ 



4 


PREFACE. 


The committee was also requested to compile a 
succinct history of the Christian Church to be ap¬ 
pended to this Declaration of Principles and Form 
of Government, but such an effort on the part of the 
committee, in the space which could be afforded, 
could hardly give satisfaction to the enquirer or do 
justice to the Church; and it has been deemed best 
to await a fuller and more complete history of the 
origin and organization of the Christian Church, 
now being prepared by one member of the com¬ 
mittee, and which will be put to press at an early 
day. 

We have only space in this preface to state that 
the history of the Christian Church, as a separate 
and distinct organization, commenced near the close 
of the last century. Those who were instrumental 
in its* establishment were Virginians and North 
Carolinians. The leading spirit in the organization 
was Rev. James O’Kelly, a distinguished minister 
in the Methodist Episcopal Church, who labored 
earnestly and effectually in giving permanency and 
character to this society, then in its infancy, in this 
country. Mr. 0’KELLY r had hoped to find with the 
Methodists that spirit of liberality and reform that 
would ultimately permeate every Christian com¬ 
munity and open the door of universal religious 
suffrage and harmonious union. Rut the arbitrary 
measures of a few individuals, who at that time ruled 
the whole connection, crushed his hopes in that di- 


PREFACE. 


5 


rection, and he determined, though reluctantly, to 
withdraw and continue his work independent of them, 
which he did in the year 1792, followed by about 
twenty or thirty other ministers. After one or two 
preliminary meetings, Mr. O’Kelly and his associates 
met in General Conference the next year, in Surry 
county, Va., and after mature deliberation adopted 
substantially the principles now maintained by the 
Christian Church, only they called themselves “Re¬ 
publican Methodist,” which, however they dropped 
the following year, and established the name Chris¬ 
tian. Those who entered into this new organization 
in 1794 numbered about 1,000, and many more 
united with them the next year. The ministers were 
generally distinguished for their piety and zeal, and 
the lay-members for their hospitality and love of 
freedom. 

The organization continued with varying success 
until the year 1847, when the “Southern Christian 
Association” was organized, which gave place to the 
“Southern Christian Convention,” organized in Oc¬ 
tober, 1856, at Union Chapel, Alamance county, 
North Carolina. At this meeting the polity of the 
Church was thoroughly discussed and reviewed, and 
a declaration to adhere strictly and firmly to the 
Principles and Government originally adopted by 
her founders was made. Brief outlines of organi¬ 
zation of the different departments of Church gov¬ 
ernment were prepared and received, and much other 




important business was transacted. The first regular 
session of the Convention was held at Cypress 
Chapel, Nansemond county, Virginia, in May, 1858. 
At this meeting the Educational, Publishing, and 
Missionary interests of the Church were debated and 
provided for. The various enterprises necessary to 
extend and perpetuate the principles of the Church 
\tfere carefully considered. The future was full of 
promise and opening brightly Upon us. The de¬ 
nominational organ, the Christian Sun > which was 
commenced by Pev. D. W. Kerr in 1844, and then 
being edited by Pev. W. B. Wellons, was well and 
favorably received, and was supported by an appre¬ 
ciative and constantly increasing patronage. Two 
schools of high grade Were in successful operation— 
Graham Institute, in North Carolina, and Holy Neck 
Female Seminary, in Virginia. The former was 
soon converted into a College, and incorporated by 
act of the General Assembly of North Carolina, in 
1859. These beginnings at advancement, improve¬ 
ment, and permanency were sources of great encour¬ 
agement. All hearts were filled with hope, and many 
full souls poured out their oblations to God when an 
early future gave promise of a golden harvest. 

We did not then dream of jthe storm that was 
brooding over us, and preparing to burst with merci¬ 
less fury upon our heads. But soon the cup of 
blessing which we had just pressed to our lips was 
destined to be dashed to the ground and dissipated in 


PEERAGE. 


7 


cruel waste. In 1861 a savage and destructive civil 
war broke out between the Northern and Southern 
States, and raged with unrelenting violence for foui* 
years, laying waste nearly the whole Southern coun¬ 
try, and ending in the entire overthrow of all her 
institutions and the complete subjugation of the 
people. All denominations and classes suffered un¬ 
measured evils; but the blow fell with stunning effect 
upon the Christian Church. Her schools were sus¬ 
pended and broken up; Graham College was con¬ 
verted into a work-shop; her houses of worship, in 
many places, were used by the Federal soldiers for 
barracks and horse-stables ; her printing establish¬ 
ment was destroyed, and the type and fixtures carried 
off, and several of her best ministers were cruelly 
murdered. Only one of her Conferences, the North 
Carolina Conference, continued its annual meetings 
during the war, and it could do little more than send 
Christian salutations to its bleeding brethren, and 
offer the consolations and comforts of religion to its 
dying martyrs. 

It was not until May, 1866, that the haggard 
fragments of the scattered body could be collected, 
and even then only a few, comparatively, could 
summon sufficient courage to meet their brethren in 
council. The shattered Church lay prostrate, her 
beauty trailed in the dust. But the few brethren 
that met in Convention at Mount Auburn, N. C., 
were filled with a holy purpose, and possessed a de- 


8 


PREFACE. 


termination that masters circumstances and laughs at 
misfortune. They raised themselves equal to the 
task assigned them, and assumed the weightiest re¬ 
sponsibilities. They were determined to make the 
best use, possible, of the materials left them, and not 
merely to weep over the ruins,, but to rebuild the 
waste places of Zion. Means were provided for re¬ 
viving the Christian Sun, publishing a Hymn Book, 
and other necessary works. Measures were likewise 
adopted to bring the Church prominently and 
properly before the world in a renewed and beautified 
form. The Principles and Government of the Church 
were reduced from a verbal to a written state, and 
her worship was made uniform. The Convention 
adjourned to meet in extra session on the 1st Wed¬ 
nesday in May, 1867, at the same place. 

The calamities of the past several years, though 
overwhelming, are not beyond the power of a gracious 
Providence. God, who has so kindly preserved us 
amidst such disasters, will open a way of prosperity and 
delight before us. All our labors and sacrifices will 
be bountifully remunerated. The consummation of 
our cherished hopes may be realized. The Lord 
may make us the instruments to prepare the way for 
his second advent—the nucleus around which the 
whole family of God on earth may gather. And for 
this, the committee of revision invoke the heartiest 
prayers and the best efforts of the membership of the 
Church, and may God bless the sacred cause. 


INTRODUCTION. 


The members of the Christian Church are 
fully persuaded that “ God alone is Lord of the con¬ 
science, and hath left it free from the doctrine and 
commandments of men, a which are in anything con¬ 
trary to his word, or beside it in matters of faith 
and worship.” They, therefore, consider the right 
of private judgment, in all things pertaining to re¬ 
ligion, as universal and unalienable. 

2. They deny that any have the right to legislate 
for the church, or to lord it over God’s heritage. 15 
Christ is their only Lawgiver. 0 

3. They would make the terms of their commu¬ 
nion neither too lax nor too narrow, so that they 
could not receive into their pale all the worthy, nor 
exclude the unworthy. 

4. The government of the church is moral or 

a But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the 
commandments of men. Matt. 15: 9; Mark 7: 7. 

^Neither as being lords over God's heritage, hut being en- 
samples to the flock. I Pet. 5: 3. 

c For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the 
Lord is our King; he will save us. Isa. 33 : 22. There is one 
lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy; who art thou that 
judgest another ? Jas. 4: 12. 





10 


INTRODUCTION. 


spiritual, and ought to be independent of the civil 
power,* and to have no connection therewith, further 
than may be necessary for protection and security. 

‘Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world; if my 
kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that 
I should not be delivered to the Jews ; but now is my kingdom 
not from hence. John 18 : 36. 



< 


PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

---- --- 


CHAPTER I. 

THE CHURCH. 

The Catholic, or Universal Church is composed of 
all those everywhere, throughout the world, who ex¬ 
ercise repentance toward God, and faith toward our 
Lord Jesus Christ. a 

2. The members of the church may belong to 
^various denominations, and though they are some¬ 
times taught to regard one another as heretics, b yet 
they form but one body, of which Christ is the 
Head.* 

3. The Saviour came into the world to establish 


^Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repent¬ 
ance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Acts 20: 21. 

b And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one cast¬ 
ing out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us, and we 
forbade him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, For¬ 
bid him not, for there is no man which shall do a miracle in 
ray name that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not 
against us, is on our part. Mark 9: 38, 39, 40; Luke 9: 49, 50. 

«For we: being many are one bread, and one body, for we are 
all partakers of that one bread. I Cor. 10: 17. He is the 
head of the body, the church. Col. 1: 18. 




12 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


one church, a not many; and all the redeemed are 
brethren, b and members of this church. 0 

4. The church is sometimes spoken of in the Scrip¬ 
tures as a family/ of which God is the Father, 6 and 
as a household/ which should not be divided against 
itself. 8 

5. All the principles, operations/ and offices 1 of 
the church ought to harmonize in the administra¬ 
tion' 1 of the Redeemer’s kingdom on earth. So 

*1 say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock 
I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail 
against it. Matt. 16: 18. 

b One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 
Matt. 23: 8. 

c But now are they many members, yet hut one body. I Cor. 
12: 20; Eph. 4 : 25, and 5 : 30. 

d Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. 
Eph. 3: 15. 

e One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through 
all, and in you all. Eph 4: 6. 

f Now, therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but 
fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. 
Eph. 2: 19. 

slf an house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 
Mark 3: 25; Matt. 12: 25. 

h There are diversities of operations, but it is the same God 
which worketh all in all. I Cor. 12: 6. 

‘We have many members in one body, and all members have 
not the same office, &c. Rom. 12 : 4-8. 

•»And there are differences of administrations, but the game 
Lord. I Cor. 12 : 5. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


IB 


that all the members 9, may be brought into fellow¬ 
ship 15 and communion with one another. 

a For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the 
members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also 
is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, 
whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond of free ; 
and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. I Cor. 12 : 
12-13.. 

b That also may have fellowship with us, &c. I John 1: 
8,6,7. 



14 


PRINCIPLE® OF THE 


CHAPTER II. 

CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

The Christian Church may be composed of any 
part, or all of those on the earth who constitute the 
body, of which Christ is the Head. a 

2. But at present it embraces only a part of those 
in many sections of the country who desire the refor¬ 
mation of the wicked, b the spiritual worship of God,* 
and the union of the great brotherhood of Christians.* 

3. The Christian Church is sincerely opposed to con¬ 
tentions and schisms in the body, 0 and firmly be- 


a He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning 
the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have 
the pre-eminence. Col. 1: 18, 24. 

b Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man 
his thoughts, &c. Isa. 65: 7. I am not come to call the righteous, 
but sinners to repentance. Matt. 9: 13. Mark 2 : 17. 

•God is a spirit, and they that worship him, must worship 
him in spirit and in truth. John 4 : 24. 

d And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the 
world, and I come to thee. Holy Father keep through thine 
own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be 
one, as we are. John 17: 11, 21, 22. 

•There should be no schism in the body, but that the mem¬ 
bers should have the same care one for another. I Cor. 12 : 25. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


16 


lieve that envying, strife, and divisions 4 are hurtful 
to the church, and antagonistic to the teaching and 
the spirit of our holy religion? 

4. One of the chief features of this church is an 
ardent desire to secure and propagate the fruits of 
the Spirit, 0 and to cultivate brotherly love? 

5. They have no peculiar doctrines of their own 
to advocate, nor is it their purpose or business to 
controvert the doctrines or usages of other denomi¬ 
nations. They ask, rather, their co-operation in ex- 


a For whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and 
divisions, are ye not carnal and walk as men? For while one 
saith I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not 
carnal? I Cor. 3 : 3, 4, 5, 21, 22. 

b Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no 
divisions among you: but that ye be perfectly joined together 
in the same mind, and in the same judgment. For it hath 
been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are 
of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 
Now this I say, that every one of you saith I am of Paul; and 
I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ 
divided ? was Paul crucified for you ? or were ye baptized in 
the name of Paul ? I Cor. 1: 10,11,12, 13. I hear that there 
be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. I Cor. 11: 18. 

e The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, 
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such 
there is no law. Gal. 5 : 22-23. 

d Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and 
every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. I John 
4: 7. 



16 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


tending the benefits and comforts of our common 
religion to all mankind.* 

6. This organization is formed for the purpose of 
effecting a union of all the true followers of our 
Lord Jesus Christ of every persuasion, b and of se¬ 
curing, if possible, the associate efforts of all reli¬ 
gious teachers in pointing the wicked to the Lamb 
of God who taketh away the sin of the world. 0 

7. Therefore, the peculiar doctrines and tenets 
which have confused and distracted the Christian 
world, here cease to be matters for debate, only in so 
far as is necessary to prevent a sectarian influence 
from entering the church. d 

8. They require no compromise in faith or opinion 
of any child of God in order to communion or fellow¬ 
ship. 6 

9. Here denominational distinctions cease to 


*To Titus, mine own son after the common faith, &c. Titus 
1: 4. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of 
the common salvation, &c. Jude 3. 

b He that is not against us, is on our part. Mark 9: 40. 
That they all may be one ; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in 
thee, that they also may be one in us ; that the world may be¬ 
lieve that thou hast sent me. John 17: 21. 

c Behold the Lamb of Grod which taketh away the sin of tli® 
world. John 1: 29. 
d See I Cor. 3: 3, 4, 5, and 1 : 10-13. 

«One is your Master even Christ, and all ye are brethren. 
Matt. 23: 8. See Luke 9: 50. 




CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


17 

exist, and Christian love binds the brotherhood 
together/ 

10. The purposes of this church will be consum¬ 
mated in the reformation of the world, b and the union 
of all Christians. 0 


a But as touching brotherly love, yo need not that I write unto 
you, for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 
I Thess. 4 : 9. 

b Ask of me, and 1 shall give thee the heathen for thine in¬ 
heritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy posses¬ 
sion. Psalms 2: 8. Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, 
circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond, 
nor free; but Christ is all and in all. Col. 8 : 11. 

e Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowl¬ 
edge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure 
of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Eph. 4: 13. 



is 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


CHAPTER III. 

PRINCIPLES OF THE CHURCH. 

The nature of the Church as set forth in Chapter 
II, seems to require that the principles of the Church 
be general, rather than particular, yet comprehen¬ 
sive, embracing all those truths, facts, and doctrines 
which are indisputably revealed, and allowing each 
individual to form his own opinion upon minor points 
according to the best light and evidence before 
him. a 

2. The Scriptures contain an abundance of truth 
quite sufficient for the moral guidance of man, and are 
very well adapted to the comprehension of the most 
simple minded, b about which there need be no dispute. 0 

3. These facts being admitted, we may well afford 
to dispense with all those doctrines and tenets which 

a Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his 

own master he standeth or falletli, . Let every man he 

fully persuaded in his own mind, &c. Rom. 14 : 4, 5. 

b The way-faring men, though fools, shall not err therein. 
Isa. 35: 8. See Prov. 8 : 5 and 9 : 4. 

°But doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof 
cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse dis- 
putings, &c. I Tim. 6: 4 t 5. Do all things without mur- 
murings and disputing*. Phil. 2 : 14. 




OHMSTlAff OfilJBOtt. 


19 


set the brethren at variance/ and to take the 
following primary constitution as the ground-work 
of our organization, viz : 

(1.) The Lord Jesus Christ is the only Head of 
the Church/ The Pope of Rome, or any other pre¬ 
tending to be head thereof, should be regarded as that 
man of sin and son of perdition, who exalteth him¬ 
self above all that is called God. c 

(2.) The name Christian* is the only appellation 
needed or received by the Church. All party or sec¬ 
tarian names are excluded as being unnecessary, if 
not hurtful. 6 


a But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye he 
not consumed one of another. Gal. 5: 15. 

b And he is the Head of the body, the Church r Col. 1: 18. 
And gave him to be head over all things to the Church, which 
is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. Eph. 1 : 
22. Eph. 4: 15. 

c But he ye not called Rabbi, for one is your master, even 
Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father 
upon the earth, for One is your Father, which is in Heaven. 
Matt. 23: 8, 9, 10. Let no man deceive you by any means y 
for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away 
first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition,, 
who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, 
or that is worshipped; so that he, as God, sitteth in the temple 
of God, showing himself that he is God. II Thess. 2 : 3, 4. 

a And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. 
Acts 11: 26, and 26: 28; I Pet. 4 : 16. 

e For, while one saith I am of Paul; and another, I am of 
Apollos; are ye not carnal ? I Cor. 3 : 4. And I will write 
upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my 





*0 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


(3.) The Holy Bible, or the Scriptures of the 
Old and New Testament, is a sufficient rule of faith 
and practice. 11 

(4.) Christian Character, or vital piety, is a 
just, and should be the only, test of fellowship, or of 
Church membership. 15 

(5.) The right of private judgment and the 


God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of 
Heaven from my God; and I will write upon him my new 
name. Rev. 3: 12, and 2: 13. Of whom the whole family 
in Heaven and earth is named. Eph. 3 : 15. 

•All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is pro¬ 
fitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction 
in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly 
furnished unto all good works. II Tim. 3: 16, 17. For I 
testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy 
of this book. If any man shall add unto these things, God 
shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. 
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of 
this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of 
life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are 
written in this book. Rev. 22 : 18, 19. 

b Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter 
into the kingdom of Heaven ; but he that doeth the will of my 
Father which is in Heaven. Mat. 7 : 21. He that believeth 
and is baptized, shall be saved ; but he that believeth not, shall 
be damned. Mark 16: 16. That whosoever believeth in him 
should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3 : 15, 16. Jesus 
said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life; he that be¬ 
lieveth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he l^ve, &c. John 
11: 25, 26, and 6: 47; I John 2: 5, and 3: 6,9. John 13 : 34, 
35. Matt. 22 : 37, 38, 39, 40. 



21 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

liberty of conscience is a right and a privilege that 
should be accorded to, and exercised by, all.* 1 

4. The Church thinks it well to avoid all debates 
and disputations, b especially of a public character, 
which tend to create strife, enmity or division 0 among 
the followers of Christ. 

5. The labors of the ministry should not involve 
the use of means which are of doubtful propriety, 
but should be confined to the use of those spiritual 
weapons which are mighty, through God, to the 
pulling down of strongholds. d 

a Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his 
own master he standeth or falleth ; yea, he shall he holden up; 
for God is able to make him stand. Rom. 14: 4. But in vain 
they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments 
of men. Matt. 15: 9. We ought to obey God rather than 
men. Acts 5 : 29 ; and 4 : 19. 

b O, Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, 
avoiding the profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of 
science falsely so called. I Tim. 6 : 20. But shun profane and 
vain babblings, for they will increase unto more ungodliness. II 
Tim. 2: 16. For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find 
you such as I w r ould, and that I shall be found unto you such 
as ye would not, lest there be debates, envying, wraths, strifes, 
backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults. II Cor. 12: 20. 

c Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divi¬ 
sions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have 
learned, and avoid them. Rom. 16 : 17. See I Cor. 3 : 3. 

d For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty, 
through God, to the pulling down of strongholds, II Cor. 10 : 4 






22 


PRINCIPLES OP THE 


CHAPTER IV. 

SENTIMENTS OF THE CHURCH. 

All doctrines, sentiments and opinions should be 
expressed, as nearly as possible, in Scripture lan¬ 
guage, as being the least likely to be misunderstood 
or give offence.* Besides, no great error is likely to 
be imbibed or propagated while all strictly adhere to 
the law and to the testimony. 1 " 

2. If the sectary, or any other, should find too 
little in these sentiments of the Church to answer all 
his enquiries on the points mentioned, it is because 
his enquiries cannot be conveniently answered in the 
language of inspiration, from which it is not expe¬ 
dient to deviate. 0 


a Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, 
nor to the Church of God. I Cor. 10: 32. Giving no offence 
in any thing, that the ministry he not blamed. II Cor. 6 : 3. 
See Rom. 16 : 17.. 

b To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not ac¬ 
cording to this word, it is because there is no light in them. 
Isaiah 8: 20. 

c If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto 
him the plagues that are written in this book ; and if any man 
shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, 
God shall take away his part out of the book of life. Revela¬ 
tions 22: 18, 19. 





CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


28 


SECTION I. 

OP GOD. 

All our knowledge of Gocl in this life, must ne¬ 
cessarily be very imperfect. 8. We, therefore, should 
be very careful in all our expressions which have any 
allusion to the Almighty/ and use only those appel¬ 
lations of him which are found in the Holy Scrip¬ 
tures. 

2. There is but one only living and true God, c 
unchangeable/ incomprehensible,® who inhabiteth 
eternity/ whose years are throughout all generations/ 


a Canst thou, by searching, find out God ? canst thou find out 
the Almighty unto perfection? Job 11: 7. O, the depth of the 
riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! how um 
searchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 
Rom. 11: 33 and 34. 

b Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, 
for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name 
in vain. Ex. 20 : 7. Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship 
at his footstool, for he is holy. Psa. 99 : 5. 

c Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord. Deut. 6:4. 
There is none other God but one. I Cor. 8 : 4. Ye turned to 
God from idols, to serve the living and true God. I Thess. 1: 9. 
d I am the Lord; I change not. Mai. 3 : 6. 
e Great things doeth He, which we cannot comprehend. Job 
37: 5. His greatness is unsearchable. Psa. 145: 3. 

f Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity. 
Isa. 57: 15. 

£0 my God, .thy years are throughout all generations. 

Psa. 102: 24. 




24 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


who is from everlasting to everlasting/ the Creator 
of all things/ the Preserver of life, 0 only wise/ just,* 
holy ; f full of love 8 and compassion / gracious, mer¬ 
ciful, long-suffering; abundant in goodness and truth, 
forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, 1 the re¬ 
warder of them that diligently seek him f yet terrible 
in his doings/ visiting the iniquities of the fathers 
upon the children unto the third and fourth genera- 


»From everlasting to everlasting thou art God. Psa. 90 : 2. 
b In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 
Gen. 1: 1. Thou hast created all things. Rev. 4: 11. 

c O thou preserver of men. Job 7 : 20. O Lord, thou pre- 
servest man and beast. Psa. 36: 6. In him we live and 
move, and have our being. Acts 17 : 28. 

d To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever, 
Amen. Rom. 16 : 27. 

«A God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is he. 
Deut. 32: 4. A just God and a Saviour. Isa. 45: 21. 

f And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is 
the Lord of hosts. Isa. 6: 3. See Rev. 4 : 8. 
sGod is love. I John 4: 8. 

h It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, be¬ 
cause his compassions fail not. Lam. 3 : 22. 

‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suf¬ 
fering, and abundant in goodness and truth ; keeping mercy 
for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, and 
that will by no means clear the guilty. Exo. 34: 6, 7. 

iHe is a rewarder of them that diligentlv seek him. Heb. 

11 : 6 . 

k He is terrible in his doings toward the children of men. Psa. 
66: 5. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


25 


tion of them that hate him, a and taking vengeance 
upon them that know him not. b 

3. God is a spirit, 0 eternal, immortal, invisible, 4 
the only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of 
lords, 0 of whom, and through whom, and to whom, 
are all things ; f his judgments are unsearchable, and 
his ways past finding out, s and his understanding is 
infinite; 11 he is God in heaven above, and upon the 
earth beneath, 1 to whom we should give glory forever. j 

a I, the Lord thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities 
of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth gen¬ 
eration of them that hate me. Exo. 20: 5. 

b The Lord Jesus shall he revealed from heaven with his 
mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that 
that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord 
Jesus Christ. II Thes. 1 : 7,8. 

°God is a spirit, and they that worship him must worship him 
in spirit and in truth. John 4 : 24. 

d Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise 
God, he honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. I Tim. 1: 17. 

e Whois the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and 
Lord of lords. I Tim. 6 : 15. 

f For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things ; 
to whom he glory forever. Amen. Rom. 11:36. 

eO the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge 
of God I how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways 
past finding out! Rom. 11: 33. 

h Great is our Lord, and of great power ; his understanding i* 
infinite. Psa. 147 : 5. 

‘Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that 
the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth be<- 
neath ; there is none else. Deut. 4 : 89. 

j'To whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen, 
See I Peter 4: 11. (b) 



26 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


SECTION II. 

OF THE SON. 

The Lord Jesus Christ is the only begotten son of 
God, a full of grace and truth/ the Saviour of the 
world/ the Word which was in the beginning with 
God, and was God, and by whom all things were 
made ; d who is the brightness of the Father’s glory, 
and the express image of his person, and who up¬ 
holds all things by the word of his power,® the 
Alpha and Omega, the firsts and the last/ God 
manifest in the flesh/ who being in the form of God, 

a He that believeth not, is condemned already, because he 
hath.not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 
John 3: 18. 

b We beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of 
the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1: 14. 

c And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of 
thy saying, for we have heard him ourselves, and know that 
this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. John 4: 42. 

d In the beginning was the "Word, and the Word was with 
God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning 
with God. All things were made by him; and without him 
was not anything made that was made. John 1: 1, 2, 3. 

e Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express 
image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of 
his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down 
on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1: 3. 

f Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. Rev. 

1 : 11 . 

«God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of 
angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, 
received up into glory. I Tim. 3 : 16. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


27 


thought it not robbery to be equal with God? one 
with the Father? 

2. He is the mediator between God and man ? the 
Prophet/Priest? and King? head of the church f 
the heir of all things? and judge of the world. 1 

3. The Lord Jesus was w T ounded for our trans¬ 
gressions, bruised for our iniquities, and with his 
stripes we are healed f he bore our sins in his own 

“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to 
be equal with God. Phil. 2 : 6. 
b I and my Father are one. John 10 : 30. 
c There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, 
the man Christ Jesus. 1 Tim. 2: 5. 

d Moses truly said unto the fathers: A Prophet shall the 
Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto 
me ; him shall ye hear in all things, whatsoever he shall say 
unto you. Acts 3 : 22. 

e Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 
Heb. 5: 6. See 7: 17. 

f Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. Psa. 2: 6. 
«The husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the 
head of the church. Eph. 5: 23. And hath put all things un¬ 
der his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the 
church. Eph. 1: 22. See Col. 1: 18. 

h Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he 
hath appointed heir of all things. Heb. 1: 2. 

because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge 
the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath or¬ 
dained ; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that 
he hath raised him from the dead. Acts 17 : 31. 

jHe was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for 
our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, 
and with his stripes we are healed. Isa. 53 : 5. 






28 


PKINCIPLES OF THE 


body;* he is our advocate with the Father, b and 
makes reconciliation for sin ; c he died for our sins, d 
that we might live with him ; e through him we have 
access to the Father f and peace with God, 8 and 
through his name alone can we be saved* 

SECTION III. 

OF THE HOLY GHOST. 

The Holy Ghost is that Comforter which proc'eed- 
eth from the Father and the Son, the Spirit of truth, * 1 
which Christ promised to send unto his disciples, a nd 


a Who, his own self, bore our sins in his own body on the tree. 
I Pet. 2: 24. 

b If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus 
Christ the righteous. John 2 : 1. 

c That he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in 
things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of 
the people. Heb. 2: 17. 

d I delivered unto you first of all, that which I also received, 
how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. 

I Cor. 15: 3. 

c Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should 
live together with him. I Thess. 5: 10. 

f For through him we both have access by one spirit unto the 
Father. Eph. 2 : 18. 

sTherefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, 
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Horn. 5: 1, 

h Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none 
other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must 
be saved. Acts 4: 12. 

*But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto 
you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceed¬ 
ed from the Father, he shall testify of me. John 15 26. 



CHRISTIAN CHTJRCH. 


29 

declared that when he is come, he will reprove the 
world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judg¬ 
ment. 51 

2. The Holy Spirit helpeth our infirmities, search- 
eth the heart, and maketh intercession for the saints. b 
He imparteth wisdom; knowledge, and faith. 0 and 
by him we are justified and sanctified. 11 

3. He searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of 
God, and reveals them unto us, 8 that we may know 
the things that are freely given to us of God ; f he is 

a And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and 
of righteousness, and of judgment. John 16: 8. 

b Likewise the Spirit helpeth our infirmities, for we know not 
what we should pray for as we ought; hut the Spirit itself 
maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be ut¬ 
tered. And he that searcheth the hearts lcnoweth what is the 
mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints 
according to the will of God. Rom. 8 : 26, 27. 

c For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom ; to 
another, the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another, 
faith by the same Spirit; to another, the gifts of healing by the 
same spirit. I Cor. 12 : 8, 9. 

d JBut ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified, 
in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 
I Cor. 6: 11. 

e But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit, for the 
Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. I Cor. 
2 : 10 . 

f Now we have received, not the Spirit of the world, but the 
Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are 
freely given to us of God. I Cor. 2 : 12. 



80 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


our teacher, 4 and we are saved by the renewing of 
of the Holy Ghost. b 0 

SECTION IY. 

OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 

The light of nature and the works of creation do 
very far show the existence, power and glory of God, d 
and any one not following the light, nor obeying the 
law of nature as made manifest to him, is without 
excuse,® yet the nature and will of God were never 
discovered by his works/ he therefore graciously 

a For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what 
ye ought to say. Luke 12 : 12. Which things also we speak, 
not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the 
Holy Ghost teacheth ; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 
I Cor. 2: 13. 

b Titus 3:5. 

( c We forbear the use of any name given to the Almighty, ot* 
to the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit, which is not found in the 
Scriptures, however appropriate it may be considered by some.) 

d The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament 
showeth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and 
night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor 
language where their voice is not heard. Psa. 19 : 1, 2, 3. 

e Because that which may be known of God is manifest in 
them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible 
things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, 
being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal 
power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Rom. 
1: 19, 20. 

f The world by wisdom knew not God. I Cor. 1: 21. 



CHKISTIAN CHUKCH. 


SI 


condescended to give us a revelation of the mystery 
that was kept secret since the world began, a and to 
reveal unto us by his Holy Spirit the hidden wisdom 
which was unknown to the princes of the world, 
and the things which had never entered in the heart 
of man. b 

2. All the books of the Old and New Testament 
included, in what is commonly called the Authorized 
Version, except those usually known as Apocrypha, 
should be considered canonical, and received as the 
sacred testimony of God, which is perfect and 
sure. 0 

3. The Scriptures are given by inspiration of God, 
and are sufficient for our correction and instruction 
in righteousness, and are designed to make us perfect 

a bTow to him that is of power to stablisli you according to 
my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the 
revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world 
began. Rom. 16 : 25. 

b But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the 
hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our 
glory ; which none of the princes of this world knew; for had 
they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 
But, as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither 
have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath 
prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them 
unto us by his Spirit. I Cor. 2 : 7, 8, 9, 10. 

c The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the 
testimony of fhe Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Psa r 
19: 7. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God 
is greater. I John 5: 9. 






82 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


and to thoroughly furnish us unto all good works.* 

4. Any rule of faith and action offered to, or im¬ 
posed upon the Church, other than the Sacred 
Scriptures, should be discarded. 15 

5. The word of God is well adapted to our de¬ 
praved state,® suited to our comprehension, d and is a 
lamp to our feet, and a light to our pathway. 6 

6. The Scriptures were written by holy men of 
God as they w T ere instructed by the Holy Ghost/and 
are designed to give us comfort and hope/ and to 
make us wise unto salvation. 11 

a All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is pro¬ 
fitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction 
in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, 
thoroughly furnished unto all good works. II Tim. 3: 16,17. 

b But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other 
gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, 
let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if 
any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have 
received, let him be accursed. Gal. 1: 8, 9. 

c He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from 
their destructions. Psa. 107: 20. 

d The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth under¬ 
standing unto the simple. Psa. 119: 130. The way-faring 
men, though fools, shall not err therein. Isa. 35: 8. 

e Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path. 
Psa. 119: 105. 

f For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man ; 
but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy 
Ghost. II Pet. 1: 21. 

-eFor whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written 
for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the 
Scriptures, might have hope. Rom. 15 : 4. 

h And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, 





CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


33 


SECTION y. 

OF HUMAN DEPRAVITY. 

The Scriptures have concluded all under sin, a and 
have declared that there is none righteous, 1 * but that 
all have strayed like sheep, 0 and have come short of 
the glory of God. d 

2. The carnal mind is enmity against God, e and 
in the flesh dwelleth no good thing ; f the heart, too, 
is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. 8 

SECTION VI. 

OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH. 

God hath particularly enjoined upon all men 

which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith, 
which is in Christ Jesus. II Tim. 3 ; 15. 

a But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the 
promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that 
believe. Gal. 3 : 22. 

b As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one. Rom. 
3: 10. 

C A11 we, like sheep, have gone astray ; we have turned every 
one to his own way. Isa. 53 : 6. 

d For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. 
Romi 3 : 23. 

^Because the carnal mind is enmity against God ; for it is not 
subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom. 8 : 7. 

f For I know that in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good 
thing. Rom. 7 : 18. 

«The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately 
wicked; who can know it? Jer, 17: 9. 



PRINCIPLES OF THE 


34 

everywhere to repent, a and the Saviour hath expressly 
declared, that, except ye repent ye shall all likewise 
perish, b but repentance must include conversion, 0 and 
be connected with faith/ in order to justification.® 

2. The preaching of repentance was the chief busi¬ 
ness of the Apostles when Christ first sent them 
forth/ and should be the chief business of every 
minister of the gospel now/ and to declare the fact that 
we are saved by grace through faith h in the Lord Jesus. 1 

a And the times of this ignorance God winked at, but new 
commandeth all men everywhere to repent. Acts 17 : 30. 

b I tell you, nay; but except ye repent ye shall all likewise 
perish. Luke 13 : 3, 5. 

c Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may 
be blotted out. Acts 3 : 19. 

d The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; 
repent ye, and belive the gospel. Mark 1: 15. Testifying 
both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward 
God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, Acts 20 : 21. 

therefore being satisfied by faith, we have peace with God, 
through our Lord Jesus Christ. R,om. 5: 1. Wherefore the 
law was our school-master to bring us unto Christ, that we 
might be justified by faith. Gal. 3 : 24. 

f And they went out, and preached that men should repent. 
Mark 6 : 12. 

«And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached 
in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 
24: 47. 

h For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of 
yourselves ; it is the gift of God. Eph. 2 : 8. 

1 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life; he 
that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and 
whosoever liveth, and believeth in me, shall never die; be- 
lievest thou this ? Jno. 11; 25, 26. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


35 


SECTION VIL 

OF THE RESURRECTION. 

There is no fact more clearly revealed in the Holy 
Scriptures than that there will be a general resurrec¬ 
tion both of the righteous and of the wicked. a 

2. Jesus is the author of the resurrection and of 
life ; b he assuredly rose from the dead, 0 and he de¬ 
clared that as certainly as he lives we shall live also. d 

3. The doctrine of the resurrection tends to en¬ 
courage us, and to inspire us with hope, as we are 
assured that all them which sleep in Jesus, God will 
bring with him. 6 


a 3Iarvel not at this, for the hour is coming in the which all that 
are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; 
they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life, and 
they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. 
Jno. 5: 28,29. See Acts 24 : 15. 

b Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life; he 
that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. 
Jno. 11 : 25. 

c The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared unto Simon. 
Luke 24 : 34. And with great power gave the apostles witness 
of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and great grace was 
upon them all. Acts 4 : 33. But now is Christ risen from tho 
dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. I Cor. 
15: 20. 

d Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more ; hut ye 
see me; because I live, ye shall live also. John 14: 19. 

e But I would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning 
them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which 



PRINCIPLES OF THE 


36 


SECTION VIII. 

OF THE LAST JUDGMENT. 

God hath appointed a day in which he will judge 
the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ/ whom 
he hath ordained to be the judge of the quick and 
dead ; b and all that have ever lived upon the earth, 
both small and great, must appear before the judg¬ 
ment seat of Christ to give an account of the deeds 
done in the body, whether they be good or bad. c 

have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose 
again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring 
with him. I Thess. 4: 13, 14. 

VIII. a Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will 
judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath 
ordained, whereof he hath given assurance to all men, in that 
he hath raised him from the dead. Acts 17 : 31. 

b And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to 
testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the judge 
of quick and dead. Acts 10: 42. See II Tim. 4: 1; I Peter 
4: 5. 

°And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God ; 
and the books were opened; and another book was opened, 
which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of 
those things which were written in the books, according to their 
works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and 
death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them ; and 
they were judged every man according to their works. Rev. 
20: 12, 13. We must all appear before the judgment seat of 
Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, 
according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. II 
Cor. 5 : 10. See Rom. 14, 10. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


37 


2. When all nations shall be gathered before the 
throne for judgment, the Lord will separate the 
righteous from the wicked/ and then every work and 
every secret thing shall be made known/ and men 
shall give an account of every evil word they have 
spoken. 0 


SECTION IX. 

OF THE PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED. 

When the world shall be judged in righteousness 
by the Lord Jesus/ the wicked shall be driven into 
everlasting fire/ and the smoke of their torment shall 
ascend up forever and ever/ 

a When the Son of Man shall come in his glor} r , and all the 
holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his 
glory; and before him shall be gathered all nations ; and he 
shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth 
Ms sheep from the goats. Matt. 25 : 31, 32. 

b For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every 
secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Eccl. 
12 : 14. In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men 
by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Rom. 2 : 16. 

c But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall 
speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judg¬ 
ment. Matt. 12: 36. 

d He hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the 
world in righteousness, &c. Acts 17 • 31. 

e Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart 
from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil 
and his angels. Matt. 25 : 41, 46. 

f And the smoke of their torment ascendethup forever and ever; 
and they have no rest day nor night. Rev. 14: 11. See also 10, 



88 


PRINCIPLES OP THE 


2. The punishment of the wicked shall be ex¬ 
tremely severe; they shall be cast into outer dark¬ 
ness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of 
teeth ; a they will never be allowed to die, so as to es¬ 
cape their sufferings, nor will the fire of their tor¬ 
ment ever be quenched. b 

SECTION X. 

OP THE REWARDS OF THE RIGHTEOUS. 

The righteous shall be in everlasting remem¬ 
brance, 6 and it has not entered into the heart of man, 
the things that God hath prepared for them that love 
him. d The godly have the promise of the life that 
now is, and of that which is to come. 0 

•Then saith the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, 
and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there 
shall he weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matt. 22 : 13. And 
cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness ; there shall 
be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matt. 25 : 30. 

b And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off; it is better for thee 
to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into 
hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched; where their 
worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. Mark 9 : 43-48. 

c Surely he shall not be moved for ever ; the righteous shall 
be in everlasting remembrance. Psa. 112; 6. 

d But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither 
have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath 
prepared for them that love him. I Cor. 2 : 9. 

e For bodily exercise profiteth little, but godliness is profitable 
unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of 
that which is to come. I Tim. 4, 8. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


39 


2. At the last day a the righteous shall sit on the 
right hand of the Judge, and the Lord will say unto 
them, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the 
kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of 
the world. b 

3. Then God shall wipe away all tears from their 
eyes, and there, shall be no more death, 0 and they 
shall obtain joy and gladness/ and enter upon eter¬ 
nal life. 0 


a And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one 
which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlast¬ 
ing life, and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6 : 40. 

b And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats 
on the left. Then shalt the King say unto them on his right 
hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom pre¬ 
pared for you from the foundation of the world. Matt. 25 : 
33, 34. 

c And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes ; and 
there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, 
neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are 
passed away. Rev. 21 : 4. 

d And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to 
Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads ; they 
shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee 
away. Isa. 35 : 10. 

e And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but 
the righteous into life eternal. Matt. 25: 46. Who shall not 
receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world 
to come life everlasting, Luke 18 ; 30. 



40 


PRINCIPLES OE THE 


SECTION XT. 

OF BAPTISM. 

Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament, in¬ 
stituted by the Lord Jesus, and should be perpetu¬ 
ated and strictly observed." 1 

2. By this solemn ordinance we evince that we 
have put on Christ, b and are assured that if we have 
been planted together in the likeness of his death, we 
shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection. 0 

3. Respecting the mode, or the subject of baptism, 
every one should be fully persuaded in his own 
mind. d 


SECTION XII. 

OF THE LORD’S SUPPER. 

The Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was 
betrayed, instituted the Sacrament called the Lord’s 

XI. a Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them 
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Ghost. Matt. 28 : 19. See Mark 16 : 16. 

b For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have 
put on Christ. Gal. 3 : 27. 

c For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his 
death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. Rom. 
6 : 5 . 

d One man esteemeth one day above another; another 
esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded 
in his own mind. Romans 14 : 5. 



CHKISTIAH CHUKCH. 


41 


Supper, to be observed in his church unto the end of 
the world, in perpetual remembrance of him, and in 
order to show his death till he comc. a 

2. This Sacrament is the communion of the blood 
and body of Christ, b and should be given unto, and re¬ 
ceived by all the true followers of our Lord f but 
every one should carefully examine himself to see 
whether or not he be worthy/ 


XII. a For I have received of the Lord that which I also de¬ 
livered unto you. That the Lord Jesus, the same night in 
which he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given 
thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat; this is my body, which 
is broken for you ; this do in remembrance of me. After the 
same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, 
This cup is the new testament in my blood : this do ye, as oft as 
ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this 
bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he 
come. I Cor. 11: 23, 24, 25, 26. See Matt. 26 : 26, 27, 28 ; 
Mark 14: 22, 23, 24; Luke 22: 19, 20. 

b Tlie cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion 
of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not 
not the communion of the body of Christ ? I Cor. 10: 16. 

c For we being many are one bread, and one body; for we are 
all partakers of that one bread. I Cor. 10 : 17. 

d Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this 
cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and 
blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so 
let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that 
eateth and drinketli unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation 
to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. I Cor. 11: 27,28, 29. 






I!> 




* 

































* 


























THE 


GOVERNMENT OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


INTRODUCTION. 

Much respecting the government of the Church 
and its internal affairs, is left to the wisdom of the 
body; but no rule or regulation should be adopted 
which conflicts with any plain declaration of the 
Scriptures. 

2. Few, perhaps, of the common forms of church 
government are, of themselves, very offensive in the 
sight of God/but rather the abuses which are prac¬ 
ticed under them ; yet some, doubtless, come nearer 
to the original form than others, and are also more 
efficient for the purposes of government and justice. 

3. The mere form of government should always 
be agreeable to the will of the governed, and the mi¬ 
nority should yield assent to the will of the majority, 
but the majority, however large, should never in¬ 
fringe upon the liberty or the rights of any. 

4. The Church should always possess and exer¬ 
cise the right of censuring the erring, and excluding 
the umvorthy.- 



44 


PRINCIPLES OP THE 


CHAPTER I. 

SECTION I. 

A PARTICULAR CHUECH. 

A particular church is an associate body of be¬ 
lievers in Christ, united together for religious instruc¬ 
tion and spiritual improvement, and for the solemn 
worship of God. 


SECTION II. 

ORGANIZATION. 

In the organization of a church, a regularly or¬ 
dained minister of the gospel should always preside; 
and those wishing to unite in the organization should 
first enter into the following agreement. 

2. We, whose names are hereunto annexed, mem¬ 
bers, as we trust, of the body of Christ, having exer¬ 
cised repentance towards God and faith towards our 
Lord Jesus Christ, a being desirous of associating 
ourselves together as a church, agree to be governed 
by the following principles. 


a Acts 20: 21. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


45 


(1.) Christ is the only head of the church. a 

(2.) The name Christian, is the only appellation 
by which we will be known, to the exclusion of all 
party or sectarian names. b 

(3.) The Holy Bible, or the Scriptures of the Old 
and New Testament is our only creed or confession 
of faith. 0 

(4.) Christian character, or vital piety is the true 
Scriptural test of fellowship and of church member¬ 
ship.' 1 

(5.) The right of private judgment and the liberty 
of conscience is a right and a privilege that should 
be accorded to, and exercised by all. 0 f 

3. Those who have signed the above agreement 
should then proceed to elect, or choose a Secretary,, a 
Collector and Treasurer, and a Sexton. They should 
also, at the same time, or at some other period, not 
very distant, make choice of two, or more if thought 
necessary, of their number, to be ordained Deacons 
of the church ; respecting these last, time should be 
had for reflection and consultation, that the choice 
may fall upon those best suited to the office. 


“Col. 1: 18. 

b Acts 11: 26. I Cor. 8 : 4. 

‘II Tim. 3 : 16, 17. Rev. 22 : 18, 19. 
d Matt. 7 : 17. Mark 16 : 16. John 11: 25, 26. 

«Rom. 14: 4. 

f See pages 20 and 21, Chapter III, Principles of the Church. 



46 


PRINCIPLES OE THE 


SECTION III. 

RECEPTION OF MEMBERS, 

After a church has been organized, members may 
be received from any Christian church or denomina¬ 
tion, by letter, or other evidence showing their full 
connection therewith, or by exercising repentance 
and faith. 

2. No one shall be received from any other church 
if under charge of immoral conduct, until the charge 
be removed, or satisfactory evidence given of reforma¬ 
tion. 

3. Persons presenting themselves for admission 
into the church upon profession of their faith shall 
be examined in presence of the congregation, by the 
minister officiating, as follows, viz : 

Have you sincerely and heartily repented of all 
your sins? a 

Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the 
Saviour of the world ? b 


a Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13 : 3, 
5. The times of this ignorance God winked at; hut now com- 
mandeth all men everywhere to repent. Acts 17 : 30. They 
should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repent¬ 
ance. Acts 26: 20. 

b And she shall bring fprth a son, and thou shalt call his 
name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins. 
Matt. 1: 21. We have heard him ourselves, and know that 
this is indeed the Christ the Saviour of the world. John 4: 42. 




CHKISTIAN CHUECH. 47 

Is it your purpose through grace to live a godly 
life?* 

4. These questions being answered in the affirma¬ 
tive, the minister shall declare the fact to the con¬ 
gregation, i. e . the members of the Church. The 
name shall here be announced, and the question 
asked: Is there any objection to receiving this 
brother (or sister, or brothers and sisters,) into full 
fellowship in this Church ? If there be any objec¬ 
tion on the part of any member of the Church, let 
it now be stated. If there be any objection, the 
case shall be referred to another meeting for investi¬ 
gation ; but if there be no objection, the minister 
shall proceed to receive the applicant (or applicants) 
into full connection with the Church, by extending 
to him, or them, the right hand of fellowship in be¬ 
half of the Church, and presenting him, or them, 
with the Holy Bible as the only rule of faith and 
practice in the Church, and enjoining upon him, or 
them, to study it carefully and prayerfully, and obey 
all its precepts according to the best of their under¬ 
standing and ability. 

5. Applicants may be received into the Church 
in like manner by the Deacons, when the services of 

a But we believe that, through the graces of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, we shall he saved, even as they. Acts 15 : 11. For by 
grace are ye saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves ; 
it is the gift of God. Eph. 2 : 8. Teaching us, that denying 
ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, right¬ 
eously and godly in this present world. Titus 2 : 12. 



48 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


no higher officer can be procured ; but baptism and 
the Lord’s Supper shall be administered only by 
Elders. 


SECTION IY. 

DUTIES OF THE CHURCH. 

Every Church shall procure, if possible, a regular 
Pastor to minister to it in holy things, and to take 
the oversight of its spiritual interests. 

2. The church should strictly observe and faith¬ 
fully obey the teachings and moral injunctions of 
them that have the rule over it. a 

3. The church should labor to satisfy fully the 
temporal wants of its pastor, that he may be free 
from worldly care and anxiety, so that he can give 
his undivided attention to the work of the ministry. b 

4. It shall be the duty of every church to unite 
with the Conference in whose bounds it may be loca¬ 
ted as early as practicable after its organization. 


R Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit your_ 
selves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give 
account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for 
that is unprofitable for you. Heb. 13 : 17. 

b The laborer is worthy of his hire. Luke 10: 7. The la¬ 
borer is worthy of his reward. I Tim. 5: 18. If we have 
sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall 
reap your carnal things. Even so hath the Lord ordained that 
they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. I Cor. 
9 : 11, 14. See also verses 7, 9, 10, and 13. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


49 


5. It shall be the duty of every church to comply 
with all reasonable requests of the Conference to 
which it may belong. 

6. It shall be the duty of every church to keep a 
faithful record of all its proceedings, of whatever 
character they may be. 

7. It shall be the duty of every church to submit 
its record annually to the Conference for inspection, 

8. Every church shall have at least four sacra¬ 
mental meetings during the year, and shall pay the 
salary of its minister quarterly. 

9. At every quarterly meeting there shall be a 
session, or conference of the church for the transac¬ 
tion of business, in which all the members in regular 
standing may participate. 

10. The church should endeavor to maintain and 
exhibit a system of sound principles. 11 

11. It should support the ordinances of gospel 
worship in their purity and simplicity. b - 

12. It should exercise impartially the government 
and discipline of the church. 0 

a Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of 
me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. II Tim. 1: 13. 

h That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, 
even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. 15 : G. 

c Brethren, if a man he overtaken in a fault, ye which are 
spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness ; consid¬ 
ering thyself, lest thou also he tempted. Gal. 6:1. A man 
that is a heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject* 
Titus 3 : 10. 

c 



so 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


13. It should endeavor to promote holiness, not 
only in action, but in all manner of conversation.* 

SECTION y. 

DUTIES OF MEMBERS. 

It is the duty of every member of the church to 
give of his substance to the support of the church as 
the Lord hath prospered him. b 

2. Every member should attend, if possible, all 
the stated meetings of the church ; especially should 
all attend every church session, or quarterly confer¬ 
ence. 0 

3. The members should earnestly study to keep 
peace and unity in the church. d 

4. They should bear one another’s burdens.® 

a Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ. 
Phil. 1: 27. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, 
what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation 
and godliness. II Peter 3 ; 11. 

b Now concerning the collections for the saints, as I have given 
order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first 
day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as 
God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I 
come. I Cor. 16: 1, 2. 

c Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the 
manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much 
the more, as ye see the day approaching. Heb. 10: 25. 

d Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of 
peace. Eph. 4 : 3. 

e Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of 

Christ. Gal. 6: 2. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


61 


5. They should endeavor to prevent each other’s 
stumbling. a 

6. They should steadfastly continue in the faith 
and worship of the gospel. b 

7. They should pray for and sympathize with one 
another. 0 


SECTION VI. 

DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. 

The Secretary shall keep a full account of all 
moneys, or other things of value received, or paid 
out, by the church, to whom paid, and for what pur¬ 
pose. 

2. ITe shall record all admissions into the church, 
and state whether they be by letter or upon profes¬ 
sion of faith; if by letter, state from what church or 
denomination the applicants came, always affixing 
the date. 

3. He shall keep an account of all deaths, dismis¬ 
sals, and expulsions, with marginal remarks on the 
church roll. 


a Let us not therefore judge one another any more ; hut judge 
this rather, that no man put a stumbling-block, or an occasion 
to fall in his brother’s way. Rom. 14: 13. 

b And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and 
fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2 : 42. 

c Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the 
Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and sup¬ 
plication for all saints. Eph. 6 : 18. 



52 


PRINCIPLES OP THE 


4. He shall attest all the acts and proceedings of 
the church. 

5. He shall deliver his books into the hands of his 
pastor, or the delegate from his church to be sub¬ 
mitted to the inspection of Conference at its annual 
sittings. 

6. He shall have in charge and carefully preserve 
all the records of the church, which shall be open to 
the inspection of the pastor and the church, and 
which he shall deliver to his successor in office. 

7. He shall faithfully record all the transactions 
of the church whether at stated or called sessions 
thereof. 


SECTION VII. 

DUTIES OP COLLECTOR AND TREASURER. 

One person may serve both as Collector and Treas¬ 
urer, and shall receive the dues of the church-mem¬ 
bers, and the contributions of the friends. 

2. He shall report quarterly the collections made 
and the amount in hand, and pay out only to the 
order of the church. 

3. He shall mention in his quarterly reports, which 
shall be in writing, all the members who are in 
arrears. 

SECTION VIII. 

DUTIES OP THE SEXTON. 

It shall be the duty of the Sexton to keep the 



CHRISTIAN" CHURCH. 


53 


liouse of worship in proper order for service; to see 
that it is in no way abused; to procure lights and 
fuel when necessary, and to attend to the opening 
and closing of the doors. 

2. He shall see that strangers are seated, and pro¬ 
mote, as far as possible, the order and comfort of the 
congregation. 

3. He shall have the care of the furniture of the 
house, and the grounds connected therewith; to all 
of which he shall give suitable attention. 


54 


PRINCIPLES OE THE 


CHAPTER II. 

OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. 

The necessary and perpetual officers of the church 
are Bishops, or Pastors, and Deacons. 

SECTION I. 

BISHOPS OR PASTERS. 

The pastoral office is the highest and most im¬ 
portant in the church, and the person who holds this 
office is, in Scripture, called by different names ex¬ 
pressive of his various duties. As he is the overseer 
or superintendent, or has the oversight of the flock 
of Christ, he is termed bishop. a 

2. As he supplies or feeds them with spiritual 
food, he is termed pastor. b 

3. As he should be prudent and an example to the 
flock, and possess the wisdom and experience of ma¬ 
ture age, he is termed presbyter or elder.® 

a Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over 
which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, (bishops,) to 
feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his 
blood. Acts 20 : 28. 

b And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which 
shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jer. 3 : 15. 
See I Peter 5: 2, 3, 4. 

c The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an 
elder. I Peter 5: 1. See Titus 1:6. I Tim. 5 : 17, 19. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


55 


4. As he serves Christ in vindicating his govern¬ 
ment and declaring his truth, he is termed minister/ 

5. As he is sent to beseech sinners to become re¬ 
conciled to God through Christ, he is termed ambas¬ 
sador , b 

6. As he dispenses the word of life, he is termed 
steward of God, and steward of the mysteries of God. c 

7. As he is the messenger of God, he is termed the 
angel of the church/ 

8. It is the duty of an Elder, or a Pastor, to preach 
the word diligently, 6 to give himself continually to 
prayer, and to his holy calling/ and to study to show 
himself approved of God, a workman that needeth 
not to be ashamed/ 

a Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ. 

I Cor. 4: 1. Who also hath made us able ministers of the new 
testament. II Cor. 3 : 6. 

b Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did 
beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s'stead, be ye recon¬ 
ciled to God. II Cor. 5: 20. 

c For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God. 
Titus 1: 7. And stewards of the mysteries of God. I Cor. 4: 1. 

d Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write. Rev. 2: 1, 
8; and 3 : 1,7. The seven stars are the angels of the seven 
churches. Rev. 1: 20. See Mai. 2: 7. 

e Preach the word ; be instant in season, out of season; re¬ 
prove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 

II Tim. 4: 2. 

f But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the 
ministry of the word. Acts 6 : 4. 

sStudy to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that 
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth 
II Tim. 2: 15. 



5G 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


9. It is his duty to see that the churches to which 
he ministers, and also the members thereof, discharge 
the obligations imposed by the Holy Scriptures and 
their form of church government. 

10. It is his duty to comply with all the requests, 
and to execute all the orders of the Conference to 
which he belongs, so far as they may relate to him, 
to the best of his ability, when not incompatible 
with justice, or unequal to what is or would be ac¬ 
ceptable to any, or every one of the majority under 
like circumstances. 

11. It is his duty to be present at every annual 
meeting of the Conference to which he belongs ; and 
if he is prevented by causes beyond his control, he 
shall address the Conference by letter, stating. the 
fact, and offering such suggestions, and giving such 
information, if any in his possession, as may be ser¬ 
viceable to the body. 

12. It is his duty to promote the peace and unity 
of the church as far as he is able, and to study its 
interest, and labor for its prosperity. 

SECTION II. 

DEACONS. 

It is clear from the Scriptures that Deacons arc 
distinct officers in the church. 51 Their business is to 


a See Phil. 1: 1, and I Tim. 3: 8 to 15. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


57 


supply the wants of the poor, and to have charge of 
the temporal affairs of the church. a 

2. They should make suitable arrangements for, 
and assist the pastor in the administration of the 
sacraments. 

3. One of the Deacons should preside in all busi¬ 
ness meetings of the church, in the absence of the 
pastor. 

4. They should counsel with the pastor in the gov¬ 
ernment and spiritual affairs of the church, and con¬ 
duct the public, worship of the congregation, when 
desired, at least in the absence of the pastor, by read¬ 
ing the Word of God, singing, prayer, and exhorta¬ 
tion. 

SECTION III. 

LICENTIATES. 

A licentiate is one licensed to preach the gospel as 
a probationer until he shall give full proof of his 
ability to teach efficiently the great doctrine of sal¬ 
vation. 13 

2. Special care should be taken that the candidate 
for licensure possesses the moral and literary qualifica¬ 
tion necessary to fit him for the responsible position 
to which he aspires. 0 

a See Acts 6 : 1 to 6. 

b Lay hands suddenly on no man. I Tim. 5; 22. 

c And the things that thou hasVJieard of me among many 



58 


PKINCIPLES OP THE 


3. He shall, therefore, possess an unblemished 
Christian character, and a good English education, 
and be recommended by the church of which he is a 
member. 3, 

4. And that there may be no doubt of his qualifi¬ 
cation, he shall be carefully examined, 

(1.) Upon his religious experience, and also in ref¬ 
erence to his call to the ministry. 11 

(2.) Upon his knowledge of the principles and 
government of the Christian Church. 

(3.) Upon the English branches of learning, to 
include Arithmetic, Geography, English Grammar, 
Profane History ; to include the histories of Greece, 
Rome, England, and the United States, Ecclesiastical 
History, and the History of the Bible. 

The study of the classics, to include the original 
languages in which the Scriptures were written, is 
recommended. 

5. At this stage of the examination those conduct¬ 
ing it shall have time for consultation, and if the 
candidate has given satisfaction, he shall be recalled 
and the chairman shall propound to him the follow¬ 
ing questions, viz: 

(1.) Do you believe the Holy Scriptures to be the 

witnesses the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be 
able to teach others also. II Tim. 2 : 2. Not a novice. I Tim. 
3: 6. 

a See above. 

b And how shall they preach, except they he sent. Pom. 10: 15. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


59 


Word of Inspiration, the only infallible rule of faith 
and practice ? a 

(2.) Will you faithfully adhere to the principles 
and government of the Christian Church ? b 

(3.) Vf ill you labor zealously, through the grace 
given you, to promote the peace and unity of the 
church ?° 

(4.) Do you promise to submit to the decisions of 
the Conference to which you may belong, and to sub¬ 
ject yourself to the brethren in the Lord? d 

6. These questions being answered in the affirma¬ 
tive, a report shall be made to the Conference stating 
the moral and literary qualifications of the applicant, 
and the satisfaction given in the examination. 

7. Conference may then require the candidate to 
deliver a popular lecture or sermon before the body, 
(of which he shall furnish a written copy,) that his 
taste and prospect for usefulness may be fully seen.® 

•All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable 
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in right¬ 
eousness. II Tim. 3 : 16. 

b Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of 
me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. II Tim. 1: 13. 

c Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of 
peace. Eph. 4 : 3. Follow peace with all men, &c., lest any 
root of bitterness springing up, trouble you, and thereby many 
be defiled. Hebrews 12 : 14, 15. 

d Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, 
all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with 
humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the 
humble. I Peter 5: 5. 

•SeQ ll Tim, 2; 2. 



60 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


8. The Conference being satisfied with his pro¬ 
ficiency, shall proceed to license him (or any other 
time may be appointed for that purpose) in the fol¬ 
lowing manner : The President, (or he may appoint 
any Elder to act in his place,) shall read a hymn and 
sing it conjointly with the congregation; he shall 
then offer up a prayer suitable to the occasion, after 
which he shall address the candidate in the following 
or similar manner : “ My Brother, in the name of 
the Lord Jesus Christ, and by authority vested in 
the church, we license you to preach the gospel of 
the Son of God wherever Providence may call you; 
and may the grace of God sustain you, and the Holy 
Spirit enlighten your mind. Amen/’ 

9. This proceeding shall be duly recorded, and a 
certificate given to the Licentiate, signed by the Pre¬ 
sident and Secretary of the Conference, to the follow¬ 
ing effect, viz: 

CERTIFICATE OF LICENSURE. 

This will certify that ., a member of the Chris¬ 
tian Church at ., in . county, State of., has 

been carefully examined upon the various branches of learning, 
as required by the government of the Christian Church, and 
has given satisfaction, and is licensed as a probationer to preach 
the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, wherever the providence 
of God may call him. 

Done by order of the .Christian Conference, this. 

day of *., 18. 

.<..,i President. 


, Secretary. 













CfiKISTIAN CHXTKCH. 


61 


10. When a licentiate shall have preached for a 
considerable length of time, and his services do not 
appear profitable to the churches, the Conference 
may, if deemed advisable, recall his license. 

SECTION IV. 

- DEDICATION OF DEACONS. 

Deacons shall be ordained to their office by one or 
more Elders, and chosen by the churches from their 
own congregations, by ballot, or otherwise, if they 
prefer. The choice should be made unanimous, if 
possible. 

2. After due election, at the time appointed, the 
Elder officiating shall briefly state the important and 
responsible nature of the office of deacon, and the 
duties connected therewith ; after which, he shall 
propose to the candidate, in the'presence of the con¬ 
gregation, the following questions, viz : 

Do you believe the Holy Scriptures to be the word 
of inspiration, the only infallible rule of faith and 
practice ? 

Do you promise to adhere faithfully to the princi¬ 
ples and government of the Christian Church? 

Do you promise to discharge the duties of a 
deacon to this congregation to the best of your 
ability ? 

3. These questions being answered in the affirma¬ 
tive, the following passage of Scripture shall be read : 


62 


PRINCIPLES OP THE 


Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double- 
tongued, not given to too much wine, not greedy of* 
filthy lucre, holding the mystery of the faith in a 
pure conscience. And let these also first be proved ; 
then let them use the office of a deacon, being found 
blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not 
slanderous, sober, faithful in all things. Let the 
deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their 
children and their own houses well. For they that 
have used the office of a deacon well, purchase to 
themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the 
faith which is in Christ Jesus. These things write I 

unto thee, .that thou mayest know how thou 

oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, 
which is the church of the living God, the pillar and 
ground of the truth. I Tim. 3 : 8 to 15. 

4. A prayer shall then he offered up suitable to 
the occasion,* 1 after which the officiating Elder (the 
candidate still kneeling) shall lay his hands upon the 
head of the chosen person, b and utter words to the 
following purpose : “My Brother, in the name of the 
Lord Jesus Christ, and by right in the Church, I 
ordain you to the office of Deacon in this congrega¬ 
tion, and may the Holy Spirit enable you to dis¬ 
charge the duties of your station. Amen.” 

5. The office of Deacon is perpetual, and cannot 
he laid aside at pleasure, nor can any person be di- 

a And when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 
Acts 6 ; 6. b See above. 




CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


63 


vested of it but by deposition. Yet, a Deacon may 
become, by age or infirmity, incapable of performing 
the duties of his office, or he may, though not 
chargeable with immorality, become unacceptable to 
the congregation to which he belongs. In either case 
he may cease to be an acting deacon, and others may 
be chosen and ordained to serve the church. 

SECTION Y. 

ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 

The importance and responsibility of the office of 
an elder require that the incumbent possess an un¬ 
sullied Christian character, a fair amount of learning, 
and a ready capacity to teach. a 

2. Every candidate for ordination shall have 
preached a sufficient length of time to give ample 
evidence of usefulness to the Church, b and be re¬ 
commended by one or more of the congregations to 
which he has ministered. 

3. He shall then be carefully examined upon ex¬ 
perimental religion, the most important branches of 
an English education, to include high school arith- 
matic; analytical English grammar; geography, an¬ 
cient, modern, and sacred; the histories of the most 

•See II Tim. 2:2. I Tim. 3 : 2. 

b Not a novice, lest, being lifted up with pride, he fall into 
the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must have a 
good report of them which are without. I Tim. 3 : 6, 7. 



84 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


distinguished nations of the earth, ancient and mod¬ 
ern ; ecclesiastical history, the history of the Bible ; 
sacred rhetoric, and the principles and government 
of the Christian Church. 3, 

4. After due deliberation, if the examination prove 
satisfactory, the following questions shall be pro¬ 
posed to the candidate, viz : 

(1.) Do you believe the Holy Scriptures of the 
Old and New Testament to be the word of God given 
by inspiration for our guidance, the only infallible 
rule of faith and practice ? b 

(2.) Do you promise to adhere strictly and faith¬ 
fully to the principles and government of the Chris¬ 
tian Church? 0 

(3.) Do you promise, to the best of your ability, 
through grace, to discharge the duties of an Elder as 
set forth in the Holy Scriptures and the government 
of this Church ? d 

(4.) Have you been actuated, as far as you know 
your own heart, in seeking this holy office by love to 
God and a sincere desire to spread the gospel of 
his Son among men ? e 

a And the things that thou hast heard of me among many 
witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be 
able to teach others also. II Tim. 2: 2. Apt to teach. I Tim. 
3: 2. See also Rom. 2 : 21. 

*11 Tim. 3 : 16. Eph. 2 : 20. 

C II Tim. 1: 13. 

d Acts 20 : 28. I Cor. 2:2. II Cor. 4 : 5. 

•See I Cor. 2:2. II Cor. 4 : 5. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 65 

5. These questions being answered in the affirma¬ 
tive, Conference may require the candidate to deliver 
a discourse or sermon (a copy of which shall be sub¬ 
mitted in writing) before them, that his taste and 
proficiency in composition, and aptness to teach may 
be seen. a 

6. Conference, being satisfied with the qualifications 
of the candidate, shall appoint an ordaining presby¬ 
tery of three bishops to set him apart to the sacred 
office of an Elder in the Church. 

7. At the appointed time, [(which ought to be 
during the sitting of Conference,) the presbytery 
shall proceed somewhat in the following manner: 
(The congregation having assembled, and the duties 
of the hour being announced, two Elders shall 
conduct the candidate to a seat in front of the altar ) b 
One of the presbytery shall then read the following 
selections of Scripture: 

u This is a true saying, If a man desire the office 
of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop 
then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, 
vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospi¬ 
tality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, 
not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient; not a 
brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own 
house, having his children in subjection with all 


a See I Tim. 3 : 2. Apt to teach. 

b Let all things he done decently, and in order. I Cor. 14: 40. 



66 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


gravity; (for if a man know not how to rule his 
own house, how shall he take care of the Church 
of God ?) not a novice, lest, being lifted up with 
pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 
Moreover, he must have a good report of them which 
are without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare 
of the devil. I Tim. 3 : 1 to 7. 

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was 
given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the 
hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these 
things; give thyself wholly to them ; that thy pro¬ 
fiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, 
and unto the doctrine; continue in them ; for in 
doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that 
hear thee. I Tim. 4: 14-16. 

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be par¬ 
taker of other men’s sins ; keep thyself pure. I Tim. 
5 : 22 . 

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace 

that is in Christ Jesus, .endure hardness as a 

good soldier of Jesus Christ. Study to shew thyself 
approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to 
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II 
Tim. 2: 1, 3, 15. 

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord 
Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead 
at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; 
be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


67 


exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. II Tim. 

4 : 1 , 2 . 

8. An appropriate hymn shall then be sung, in 
which the congregation shall join. 

After which a prayer suitable to the occasion shall 
be offered up. a 

The presbytery shall then lay their hands b upon 
the head of the elected person, kneeling before them, 
and one of them shall say to the following effect: 

My brother, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
and by authority vested in the Church, we do ordain 
you to the office of an Elder, 0 and do clothe you 
with power to take part of this ministry with us. d 
And may the communion of the Holy Ghost be with 
you, 6 and the peace of God which passeth all under¬ 
standing keep your heart and mind, through Christ 
Jesus. Amen. f 

a And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands 
on them, they sent them away. Acts 13 : 3. 

b Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee 
by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 
I Tim. 4 : 14. See also above. 

c Eor this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in 
order the things that are wanting, and ordain Elders in every 
city, as I had appointed thee. Titus 1: 5. 

d That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship. 
Acts 1: 25. 

e And the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. 
Amen. II Cor. 13 : 14. 

f And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, 
shall keep your hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus. Phil. 

4: 7. 



88 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


A solemn charge shall then be given in the name 
'of God to the newly ordained Elder* by one of the 
Officiating Elders, at the conclusion of which the 
fioly Bible shall be presented to him with appro¬ 
priate remarks. b 

All the Elders present shall then give the right 
hand of fellowship. 0 

9. The following may be a form of the certificate 
which ought to be given to the newly ordained 
Elder at the time of the presentation of the Holy 
Bible: 


CERTIFICATE OF ORDINATION. 

We, the undersigned Presbytery of Ordination, appointed by 

the Conference, do hereby certify that Brother. 

having proved his gifts as a licentiate, having been recom¬ 
mended by the churches to which he has ministered, and having 
passed a satisfactory examination, as required by the govern¬ 
ment of the Christian Church, has been this day set apart and 
ordained to^thc office of an Elder, by prayer and the imposition 
of hands, and is hereby authorized to administer the ordinances 

a I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus 
Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing 
and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out 
of reason; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and 
-doctrine. II Tim. 4: 1, 2. 

^Search the Scriptures; they are they which testify of me. 
John 5 : 39. 

c And when James, Cephas and John, who seemed to be pil¬ 
lars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to 
me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should 
$o unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Gal. 2 : 9. 







CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


69 


of the Church and solemnize the rites of matrimony. Signed 

by order of the. Christian Conference, held at 

., in the county of ., and State of 

., on this the .day of ., 18.... 


» 


> 


10. Regularly ordained ministers of any Evan¬ 
gelical denomination, avIio are in full connection with 
their church, may be received into full connection 
with us, as Elders, by passing a satisfactory exami¬ 
nation upon the principles and government of the 
Christian Church, and answering in the affirmative 
the first two questions proposed to candidates for 
ordination. 











70 


PKINCIPLES OF THE 


CHAPTER III. 

CONFEKENCES, 

1. A Conference shall be composed of all ordained 
and licensed ministers and all churches organized 
upon the general principles of the Christian Church, 
within certain specified bounds. 

2. It shall be the duty of every Elder and Licen¬ 
tiate to attend the annual sessions of the Conference, 
and every church shall be represented by laymen, 
according to the following ratio : A church having a 
membership of 100, or less, shall be entitled to two 
delegates to represent it in Conference, and one dele¬ 
gate for every additional hundred members ; Pro¬ 
vided, that no church shall be allowed more than four 
delegates. 

3. One-fourth of the ministers, and as many dele¬ 
gates as may be present belonging to the Conference, 
having met at the time and place appointed, shall 
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 

4. Ministers sent by sister Conferences as corres¬ 
ponding messengers shall be entitled to seats as de¬ 
liberative members, but may not vote. Also minis¬ 
ters in good standing in any evangelical church may 
be invited to seats as honorary members, with the 
privilege to deliberate, but not to vote, 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


11 


SECTION I. 

ORGANIZATION; 

Conference shall meet on 7 its own adjournment, 
and be called to order by the President of the last 
session ; or in his absence, by the Secretary ; or in his 
absence, by the oldest minister present. 

2. The Standing Secretary (or in his absence any 
one may be invited to act pro tempore) shall then 
proceed to read the roll of ministers and churches 
belonging to Conference, and if a quorum be present 
the fact shall be announced, and the session opened 
with prayer. 

3. A President, and an Assistant Secretary shall 
then be elected, (also a Standing Secretary and a 
Treasurer, if a vacancy occur in either, or both of 
these offices) in a manner approved by Conference, 
after which an appropriate address or sermon should 
be delivered by the minister appointed for that pur¬ 
pose. This appointment should be made at the pre¬ 
vious session. 

4. The President and Assistant Secretary shall 
hold- their office only during the sitting of Conference. 

5. The Standing Secretary and Treasurer shall 
hold their office for an indefinite period, subject to 
the order of Conference. 

6. Conference shall be governed by such rules as 
usually govern deliberative assemblies; or it may 


72 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


adopt such rules and regulations as appear best cal¬ 
culated to promote peace and harmony. The rights 
of individuals and churches always being respected* 

* 

SECTION II. 

DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 

The President shall always take the chair at the 
hour appointed, call the house to order, preserve 
decorum, decide questions of order, (from which, 
however, an appeal may be taken to the body,) sign 
all the proceedings of Conference, and do what else 
the duties of his office may require. 

2. The Secretary shall have charge of, and pre¬ 
serve all the books and records of the Conference, 
attest all its proceedings, and see that they are duly 
recorded, and do what else may be imposed on him 
by the duties of his office. 

3. The Treasurer shall have charge of, and safely 
keep all funds belonging to the Conference, and shall 
invest, dispose of, or pay out these funds only by 
order of Conference. 

SECTION III. 

BUSINESS OF CONFERENCE. 

1. Conference shall meet once in each year for the 
transaction of such business as may advance the in¬ 
terest of the church and the cause of God. 


CHRISTIAN CHTJRCH. 


73 


2. Business shall be transacted in the order of 
time in which it may be brought forward; but re¬ 
ports of standing committees first, and then reports 
of special committees, shall have the precedence, ex¬ 
cept a matter that is made the special order of the 
day. 

3. Conference ought to appoint the following 
standing committees, viz: On Education, Home 
Missions, Sabbath Schools, and Temperance ; and on 
other subjects when deemed advisable. 

4. The Educational Committee , to be composed of 
Elders, shall have control of all available means for 
the establishment of schools throughout the Confer¬ 
ence ; all questions and matters pertaining to educa¬ 
tion shall be referred to them; all Biblical students 
looking forward to the ministry shall be under their 
charge; all applications for admission into Confer¬ 
ence shall be referred to them, and all candidates for 
license or ordination shall be examined by them. It 
shall be their duty to report separately upon each 
matter claiming their attention, and of the general 
educational interests of the Conference. 

5. The Committee on Home Missions shall en¬ 
quire into the moral condition and wants of all neg¬ 
lected portions of territory within the bounds of 
Conference and contiguous thereto, and the necessary 
means by which missions may be sustained and the 
spiritual wants of the people supplied. They shall 
also report the efforts that are being made and the 


PKINCIPLES OF THE 


H 

success attending them, and what else may be of in¬ 
terest connected with the subject. All business in 
reference to Home Missions shall be referred to them. 

6. The Committee on Sabbath Schools shall re¬ 
port the number and condition of Sabbath Schools 
within the bounds of Conference, and suggest such 
means as may be necessary to establish schools of 
this character in all our congregations, and in all 
destitute places. They shall consider all questions 
proposed in connection with this subject. 

7. The Committee on Temperance shall carefully 
examine all means suggested for the removal of the 
great evil of intemperance, and report the success of 
the cause and the obstacles it has to encounter, and 
what else may appear advisable. 

f 8. Any business of importance that requires much 
and careful attention should be referred to a committee. 

* 9. Conference should require every minister to 
make a full report in writing of his ministerial labors 
during the year, stating his success or failure in 
every matter claiming his attention ; and if he neg¬ 
lect to make this report, he should be censured 
therefor. 

10. Conference should carefully examine the an¬ 
nual proceedings of all the churches within its 
bounds, censuring any omission of duty. 

11. An executive committee, of three or more 
Elders, should be appointed, whose duty it shall be 
to attend to any and all business which is necessary 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


75 


to be transacted between the annual sessions of Con¬ 
ference, i. e. } such as ought not to be deferred to the 
annual meeting, or such as cannot then be conve¬ 
niently transacted. 

12. All committees appointed by Conference are 
amenable to that body, and should report thereunto 
when required. 

13. Conference ought to appoint fraternal messen¬ 
gers to attend the sessions of sister conferences, to 
receive and offer such suggestions as may conduce to 
the peace and prosperity of the Redeemer’s kingdom, 
and to keep up a free and social intercourse between 
the different parts of the church. 

14. Suitable efforts should be made to establish 
primary and high schools in every conference; and 
the standard of education among the ministry should 
be raised as high as possible. 

15. Conference should provide for the support of 
aged and infirm Ministers and their families, who 
have not sufficient means to keep them from want. 

16. Every available means should be used to pro¬ 
mote true religion and'spiritual mindedness. 


76 


PRINCIPLES OP THE 


CHAPTER IV. 

CONVENTION. 

The Convention is composed of representatives 
from all the Christian Conferences in the Southern 
States, and shall bear the title of the General Con¬ 
vention of the Christian Church. 

2. The Convention shall consist of an equal numr 
ber of Elders and Laymen, chosen by the Con^ 
ferences in annual session, in the proportion of one 
delegate to every four hundred members; but every 
regularly organized Conference shall have the right 
to send two delegates—one Elder and one Layman, 
The delegates shall be elected for four years, except 
it be to fill vacancies. 

SECTION I. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The regular meetings of the Convention shall be 
quadrennial, at which a president, a vice-president 
and an assistant secretary shall be elected, whose 
term of office shall continue for four years, or until 
their successors are elected. 

2. The secretary and treasurer may be elected for 
an indefinite period, and shall be ex officio members 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


77 


of the Convention, with power to deliberate, but not 
to vote, except the Conference to which they may 
belong shall elect them. 

3. When vacancies occur they may be filled pro 
tempore , or until the next regular meeting. 

4. In cases of emergency, the President may call 
an extra session of the Convention ; and it shall be 
his duty so to do when requested by a Conference 
having a membership of two thousand, or by two or 
more Conferences having in the aggregate such a 
membership, or when requested by one-third of the 
members of the Convention, half of whom are min¬ 
isters. The Convention may also adjourn to meet in 
extra session. 

5. Three months notice shall be given through 
the public press of any meeting of the Convention 
in extra session, except such meeting shall be agreed 
to by the body on adjournment. 

6. One-third of the members of the Convention, 
half of whom are ministers, having met at the time 
and place appointed, shall constitute a quorum for 
the transaction of business, but a smaller number 
shall have the power to adjourn to some future day. 

7. At every quadrennial session each member 
shall furnish the Secretary with a certificate of his 
election, signed by the clerk of his Conference, to be 
filed away with the papers of the Convention. 

8. The Convention may prescribe the manner of 
electing its officers, and adopt such rules and regula- 


^8 PRINCIPLES OF THE 

tions as may appear fit for its government; always 
respecting the rights and privileges of individuals. 

9. At the opening of every regular meeting of the 
Convention, a sermon, appropriate to the occasion 
should be delivered by the President or some Elder 
previously appointed by him. 

10. The business of each day shall be opened and 
closed with prayer. 


SECTION II. 

DUTIES OF OFFICEPvS. 

The President shall preside at all the meetings of 
the Convention, sign all the proceedings of the body, 
visit as many of the annual Conferences as-he can, 
and confer, counsel, and advise with the brethren, and 
do what else the duties of his office may impose upon 
him. The Vice-President shall perform all the du¬ 
ties of the President in his absence, or in case of his 
death. 

2. The Secretary shall duly record all the pro¬ 
ceedings of the Convention, attest all its acts, take 
proper care of all the documents, records, and 
writings of every description belonging to the body, 
and publish the time and place of meeting when re¬ 
quired by the President. 

3. The Treasurer shall receive all moneys per¬ 
taining to the Convention, keep an accurate account 
thereof, and of all receipts and expenditures; pay 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


79 


money only to orders drawn by the President and 
attested by the Secretary; and at every regular ses¬ 
sion of the body he shall make a full report in 
writing of all assets, and of all receipts and expen¬ 
ditures. 


SECTION III. 

BUSINESS OF THE CONVENTION. 

The Convention shall have the supervision of all 
the general enterprises of the denomination in the 
bounds of the Conferences connected with it. 

2. The Convention shall appoint a standing com¬ 
mittee of three or five on Publications , whose duty it 
shall be to furnish the denomination and the public 
with suitable matter for reading and religious instruc¬ 
tion ; they shall carefully examine all manuscripts 
and other matter designed to be published for the 
use of the denomination ; they shall provide for the 
publication of a religious newspaper, to be issued 
weekly, as the organ of the denomination; they 
shall be governed by such rules and regulations as 
the Convention may prescribe, and continue in office 
for four years, or until their successors are elected ; 
the chairman of this committee shall make a full and 
complete report in writing, at each regular session of 
the body, of all the operations of the committee. 
The Convention should place at the disposal of the 
committee sufficient means to give success to the 
publishing interests of the denomination. 


$0 PRINCIPLES OF THE 

3. A standing committee shall be appointed on 
Schools and Colleges , whose duty it shall be to ex¬ 
amine all plans and projects for the establishment of 
High Schools and Colleges that may be presented, 
and to devise means and suggest ways by which the 
educational wants of the denomination may be satis¬ 
fied. 

4. This committee shall be elected for four years, 
and be governed by rules and regulations prescribed 
by the Convention, and report through its chairman, 
in writing, at every regular session of the body. 

5. A standing committee shall be appointed on 
Home Missions , whose business it shall be to enquire 
into the moral condition of the Church and the coun¬ 
try, and to give information of all neglected and 
destitute sections, and to report in writing at each 
quadrennial session, under rules prescribed by the 
Convention. 

6. The Convention should appoint either standing 
or special committees on all subjects requiring mature 
deliberation and time. 

7. The Convention shall devise from time to time 
plans for raising funds to prosecute successfully the 
various enterprises under its control. 

8. All difficulties arising in the local Conferences 
may be carried by appeal to the Convention, whose 
decision shall be final. 

9. The Convention shall determine the boundaries 
of the local Conferences. 


CHEISTIAN CHUECH. 


81 


10. For the division of existing Conferences, or 
the formation of new ones, application shall be made 
to the Convention; and when it shall appear that 
the good of the cause demands the division of an 
old conference, owing to its great size or large extent 
of territory, a division may be ordered; or a new 
conference may be formed when a number of Min¬ 
isters and Churches, sufficient to give influence and 
perpetuity to the cause, are widely separated from 
any other Christian Conference, 


82 


PRINCIPLES OP THE 


CHAPTER Y. 

OFFENCES OR MISDEMEANORS. 

An offence is any thing in the words or actions of 
a church member which is contrary to the word of 
God, or which may tempt others to sin. 

2. Nothing should be considered as an offence 
which is not condemned by the Holy Scriptures, 
either directly or by implication. 

3. Much prudence and discretion should be exer¬ 
cised in treating offences, that justice may be done 
and the right vindicated. 

4. Offences are either private or public, and should 
be treated accordingly. 

SECTION I. 

PRIVATE OFFENCES. 

Offences are considered private when known only 
to an individual, or, at most, to a very few. 

2. Private offences ought not to be immediately 
prosecuted before the church, because the objects of 
discipline may be quite as well, and, in many cases, 
much better attained, by a different course; and be¬ 
cause a public prosecution, in such circumstances, 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


83 


would tend unnecessarily to spread the knowledge of 
offences, to exasperate and harden offenders, to extend 
angry and vexatious litigation, and thus to render 
the discipline of the church more injurious, possibly, 
than the offence was originally. 

3. In all cases in which the injuries or offences 
are of a personal and private nature, efforts shall be 
made to settle the difficulty, and reclaim the offender, 
before any information is given to the church, or any 
complaint made thereof, as required by Christ** 

4. Private offences that are not personal, l. e ., such 
as are known only to an individual, or to a very few, 
should be treated in the same manner, or as far as 
circumstances will admit. 

5. Any one who brings information of private 
and personal injuries before the church, without 
taking these previous steps, shall be censured him¬ 
self, as guilty of an offence against the peace and or¬ 
der of the church. 

6. Any person that shall purposely give publicity 
to an offence, especially of a personal character, shall 
be liable to censure, as a slanderer of his brethren. 

a Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and 
tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear 
thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear 
thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of 
two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if 
he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: hut if he 
neglect to hear the church, let him he unto thee as a heathen 
man and a publican. Matt. 18; 15, 16, 17. 



84 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


SECTION II. 

PUBLIC OFFENCES. 

1. Public offences are such as are either so noto¬ 
rious and scandalous, that no private steps would 
remove their injurious effects, or when private steps 
have been taken, they proved ineffectual. 

2. Whenever an offence, though gross in itself 
and grievous to the church, cannot be prosecuted to 
conviction, it is better to wait until satisfactory evi¬ 
dence can be obtained, than to commence process 
without sufficient proof. 

3. When general rumor charges any person with 
a crime, immediate cognizance should be taken of it, 
and a full investigation should be made. 

4. But the rumor should specify some particular 
sin or sins, and be widely spread and gaining strength 
rather than declining, and also be accompanied with 
strong presumption of truth, to entitle it to notice. 
Great caution and Christian prudence should be ex-^ 
ercised in taking up charges on this ground. 

5. Whenever hurtful rumors or slanderous reports 
are circulated against an individual, he may request 
an investigation, which shall be granted. 

6< The principles involved in this and the pre¬ 
ceding section, will apply equally to ministers and 
laymen. 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


85 


SECTION III. 

PROCESS AGAINST A PRIVATE PERSON. 

1. It shall be the duty of the Deacons of every 
church, and if deemed necessary, one or more mem¬ 
bers may be added to the number, to enquire into 
all offences against the church, committed by any 
member of the church, or offences against individu¬ 
als, or differences between brethren, and, if possible, 
settle such cases privately, reporting the result of 
their efforts to each quarterly Conference. And 
that they may the more effectually accomplish their 
Work, they shall, wdienever they deem it necessary, 
invite the pastor of the church to act with them. 

2. Offences may be brought before the church 
either by an individual or individuals, or by com¬ 
mon fame. 

3. If brought by the former, the case shall be 
tried in the name of the accuser or accusers; if by 
the latter, common fame is the accuser. 

4. When a general rumor is raised by the rash¬ 
ness or malice of any person, he should be censured 
in proportion to the criminality of his conduct. 

5. Great caution ought to be exercised in receiving 
accusations from any person who is known to indulge 
a malignant spirit towards the accused; who is him¬ 
self under censure or process; who is not of good 
character; who is deeply interested, in any respect, 


86 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


in the conviction of the accused; or who is known to 
be litigious, rash, or highly imprudent. 

6. At the first meeting, no more shall be done, 
unless by consent of parties, than to give the accused 
a copy of each charge, with the names of the witnesses 
to support it, and to cite all concerned to appear at 
the next meeting, to have the matter fully heard and 
decided. 

7. Ten days notice shall be given to the parties 
concerned, that they may have ample time to be in 
readiness for trial. 

8. Citations shall be furnished for such witnesses 
as the accused may desire to appear on his behalf. 

9. In exhibiting charges, the times, places, and 
circumstances should, if possible, be ascertained and 
stated, that the accused may have an opportunity to 
prove an alibi , or to extenuate or alleviate his offence. 

10. The church may, in many cases, when thought 
more for edification and for the good of the individ¬ 
ual, send some members or a committee to converse 
with the accused person; and if he confess guilt, to 
endeavor to bring him to repentance, rather than to 
proceed immediately to citation. 

11. When an accused person, or a witness, refuses 
to obey the citation, he shall be cited a second time, 
and if he still continue to refuse, he shall be ex¬ 
cluded from the communion of the church, for his 
contumacy, until he repent. 

12. The second citation ought always to be accom- 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


87 


panied with a notice, that if the person cited do not 
appear at the time appointed, the church, besides 
censuring him for his contumacy, will proceed to 
take the testimony in his case, as if he were present. 

13. The trial shall be fair and impartial. The 
witnesses shall be examined in the presence of the 
accused, or, at least, after he shall have been duly 
cited to attend; and he shall be permitted to ask 
any question tending to his own exculpation. 

14. Persons found guilty of offences of no great 
importance, shall be admonished, rebuked, or excluded 
from church principles, as the case shall appear to 
deserve, until they give satisfactory evidence of re¬ 
pentance. 

15. But such gross offenders as will not be re¬ 
claimed by the private or public admonitions of the 
church, are to be cut off from the body, agreeably to 
our Lord’s direction, and the apostolic injunction re¬ 
specting the incestuous person. a 

16. If any accused person feel unable to represent 
and plead his own cause to advantage, he may request 
any minister or layman belonging to his church to pre¬ 
pare and exhibit his cause as he may judge proper. 

17. Questions of order shall be decided by the 
chair, unless an appeal is taken to the house, upon 
which there shall be no debate. 

18. In all matters pertaining to the church, every 
member in good standing may vote. 

*See Matt. 18; 17 j and I Cor. 5 : 1 to 5. 



88 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


SECTION IV. 

PROCESS AGAINST AN ELDER OR MINISTER. 

Conference alone has jurisdiction in the case of a 
minister; and the same candor, caution, and general 
method, as far as circumstances will admit, should 
be observed in investigating charges against him as 
are prescribed in the case of private members, only 
substituting conference for church session. 

2. The honor and success of the gospel depend, in 
a great measure, on the character of its ministers ; 
therefore, Conference ought to watch over the per¬ 
sonal and professional conduct of all its members 
with the greatest care and impartiality. 

3. No minister ought, on account of his office, to 
be screened from the hand of justice, nor his offences 
to be slightly censured; yet charges of a scandalous 
nature ought not to be received against him only on 
indubitable testimony. 

4. Charges can be preferred against a minister of 
the gospel by not less than two a brother ministers, or 
a church ; and in either case, a charge must be fully 
made out and prosecuted by a minister, or by a com¬ 
mittee in behalf of the church preferring the charge. 

5. The party prosecuting a minister shall be warned 
that if the charges are not sustained, he must himself 
be censured as a slanderer of the gospel ministry. 


•I Tim. 5: 19. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 89 

6. Whenever common fame loudly proclaims the 
scandal of a minister, though no person prefer a 
charge, it shall be necessary, for the honor of reli¬ 
gion, to investigate the matter as carefully and as 
fully as if there were a prosecutor. 

T. A minister knowing his brother to be guilty of 
a fault ought, in a mild, Christian spirit, to tell him 
of the fault, and endeavor to remove the evil; but 
if he still persist, and the fault become notorious and 
of considerable magnitude, it may be proper to bring 
the matter before Conference. 

8. When charges are preferred against a minister, 
he shall be furnished with a full copy of them, and, 
the names of the witnesses annexed, and be allowed 
at least twenty days to prepare for trial. 

9. Charges against a minister, that are investiga¬ 
ted during the sitting of Conference, may be by a 
committee of all the Elders present, who shall report 
to the body for its action. 

10. If the charges against a minister are well sup¬ 
ported and fully sustained, he shall be censured, ad¬ 
monished, suspended, or deposed, according to the 
4iature of the offence. 

11. If a minister accused of atrocious crimes, 
being twice duly cited, shall refuse to attend the 
place of trial, he shall be immediately suspended. 
And if, after another citation, he still refuse to at¬ 
tend, he shall be deposed as contumacious. 


90 


PKINCIPLES OP THE 


12. Every trial shall be by the Holy Bible, our 
only rule of faith and practice. 

SECTION y. 

PKOCESS AGAINST A CHUKCH. 

Whenever a church neglects its duties, or disre¬ 
gards the obligations imposed upon it by the form of 
government, it may be charged before the Confer¬ 
ence of which it is a member, by a sister church, or 
by a minister, and in either case the charge must be 
prosecuted in the name of the party preferring it. 

2. If a Church fall into bad repute, though no 
charges are preferred, its condition shall be investi¬ 
gated. 

3. The same general course shall be pursued, as 
far as circumstances will admit, in investigating 
charges against churches, as in the case of individuals 
and ministers. 

4. The trial of a church may be conducted at its 
place of worship, or it may be required to defend 
itself at some other place, through a committee of its 
members. 

5. A church found guilty of a charge may be ad¬ 
monished, censured, or cut off, as its case may seem 
to demand. 

6. The sentence of a church should never involve 
any of its members who may enter their protest 
against the crime of which the church is charged, or 
who may be excepted in the charge. 


Christian church. 


91 


SECTION VI. 

WITNESSES, 

Great care and impartiality should be exercised in 
receiving testimony, that importance may be attached 
only to the evidence of competent and credible wit¬ 
nesses. 

2. A witness may be incompetent by want of age, 
by weakness of understanding, by infamy of char¬ 
acter, by being under censure for falsehood or per¬ 
jury, by nearness of relationship to the parties, and 
by many other causes. 

3. The credibility of a witness may be affected by 
relationship to any of the parties; by deep interest in 
the result of the trial; by general rashness, indiscre¬ 
tion, or malignity of character, and by many other 
considerations. 

4. Where there is room for doubt with regard to 
any of these points, either party has a right to chal¬ 
lenge witnesses, and the exceptions must be carefully 
decided upon. 

5. A husband or wife shall not be compelled to 
Jpear testimony against each other. 

6. The testimony of more than one witness ought 
to be required in order to establish any charge. 

7. To prevent confusion, witnesses shall be ex¬ 
amined first by the party introducing them, then 
cross-examined by the opposite party; after which 


92 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


any member of either party may put additional in¬ 
terrogatories. But no question shall be put or an¬ 
swered, except by permission of the Moderator. 

8. Whenever the whole, or any part of the testi¬ 
mony cannot he taken at the place of trial, a com¬ 
mission consisting of two or more members of the 
party examing the case, may be appointed to proceed 
to the place where the witness or witnesses reside, 
and take the testimony in question, of which due 
notice shall be given to the opposite party, that he 
may have an opportunity of attending. And if the 
accused shall desire to take testimony at a distance, 
for his own exculpation, he shall give like notice of 
time and place, that a commission, as in the former 
case, may be appointed. 

9. When the witnesses have all been examined, 
the accused and the prosecutor shall have the privi¬ 
lege of commenting on their testimony to any reason¬ 
able extent. 


SECTION VII. 

JURISDICTION. 

If a member, dismissed from one church with a 
view to his joining another, commit an offence pre¬ 
vious to his joining the latter, he shall be considered 
as under the jurisdiction of the church which dis¬ 
missed him, and amenable to it, up to the time when 
he actually become connected with that to which he 
was dismissed and recommended. 


CHKISTIAN CHUKCH, 


93 


2. The same principle shall apply to a minister, 
who is always to be considered as remaining under 
the jurisdiction of the Conference which dismissed 
him, until he becomes a member of another. 

3. If, however, either a minister or a private mem¬ 
ber shall be charged with a crime which appears to 
have been committed during the interval between 
the date of his dismission and his actually joining 
the new body, but which did not come to light until 
after he had joined the new body, that body shall be 
empowered and bound to conduct the process against 
him. 


I 

































DIRECTORY 


FOR 

RELIGIOUS WORSHIP 

IN THE 

CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


CHAPTER I. 

THE SABBATH. 

“ The Sabbath is a day appointed by God to be 
observed as a day of rest from all secular labor or 
employments, and to be kept holy, and consecrated 
to his service and worship. ” 

SECTION I. 

BENEFITS OF THE SABBATH. 

I 

The Sabbath, when properly observed, confers 
benefits and blessings upon our race not easily enu¬ 
merated. 

2. It is a time of rest, in which the mind and 
body become refreshed and invigorated. 



96 


PKINCIPLES OF THE 


3. It tends to lengthen life, and increase our hap¬ 
piness. 

4. It advances the interest of society, and draws 
out the better feelings of the heart. 

5. It increases sociability, and developes the facul¬ 
ties of the mind. 

6. It promotes the order and peace of society. 

7. It promotes learning and civilization. 

8. It tends to the propagation of the gospel and 
the knowledge of God. 

SECTION II. 

HOW IT SHOULD BE KEPT. 

All worldly business should be laid aside, and no 
labor performed, of a temporal nature, but what may 
be absolutely necessary for the time, that could not 
conveniently have been attended to before, nor de¬ 
ferred until after the Sabbath is over. 

2. The whole day should be kept holy unto the 
Lord, and not merely a part of it, and our employ¬ 
ment should be the public and private exercises of 
religion. 

3. We should abstain from ordinary amusements, 
visiting and worldly conversation. 

4. Suitable provisions ought to be made before 
hand, that little time may be required in the pre¬ 
paration of food and the care of animals, so that 
none be detained from the public worship of God, 
nor hindered from sanctifying the Sabbath. 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


97 


5. Every person should engage awhile in the 
morning in reading the Bible, in holy meditation, 
and in prayer, for themselves, that they may he pre¬ 
pared for the services of the sanctuary and the duties 
of the day, and for their Minister, that God may 
enable him to dispense faithfully the word of life, 
and that his ministry may be blessed to the good of 
the congregation. 

6. The time not occupied in the sanctuary should 
be devoted to reading the Scriptures, or religious 
books, meditation, prayer, religious conversation, 
singing of psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs, and in 
works of charity and mercy. 

22 


I 


98 


PEINCIPLES OF THE 


CHAPTER II. 

PUBLIC WOKSHIP. 

It is the duty of every person to attend the public 
worship of Almighty God, and to take part therein, 
especially upon the Sabbath day. 

SECTION I. 

ASSEMBLING OF THE PEOPLE. 

f 

At the time appointed for worship the people 
should enter the church quietly, and take their seats 
in a grave and reverent manner. 

2. After the congregation has assembled, no one 
should remain outside of the house talking, or other¬ 
wise disregarding the sacred duties of the day; nor 
should any portion of the congregation, or any per¬ 
son, w r ait for the services to commence before enter¬ 
ing the house. 

3. When the time appointed has arrived, and the 
people have assembled, there should be no whisper¬ 
ing or talking to one another, no gazing about or in¬ 
attention ; nor should any one unnecessarily depart 
from the house, until the blessing is pronounced. A 
disregard of any of these is indecorous and sinful. 

4. Every person should pay strict attention to all 
the parts of worship, and follow attentively the 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


99 


Minister in his sermon and in all his remarks, that 
he may be a recipient of the blessings that Heaven 
may bestow. 

SECTION II. 

READING THE SCRIPTURES. 

The minister should, at all stated services of the 
church, read a suitable portion of the Holy Scrip¬ 
tures in a clear and solemn manner; and, when he 
thinks it expedient, explain such passages as may 
appear obscure, that the congregation may be edified. 

2. The reading of the Scriptures should be ob¬ 
served with marked attention, and regarded as God 
speaking to the people. 

3. The minister ought always have regard to time, 
that neither reading, nor any other part of worship, 
be disproportionate to one another; nor the whole 
rendered too short, or too tedious. 

SECTION III. 

SINGING. 

Singing psalms or spiritual songs is a very im¬ 
portant part of the worship of God, whether in pri¬ 
vate or public. It assists devotion and begets holy 
thoughts. 

2. We should sing with the spirit and with the 
understanding also, making melody in our hearts 
unto the Lord. 

3. Every one should endeavor to acquire some 


100 


PRINCIPLES OP THE 


knowledge of the rules of music, that he may praise 
God in a becoming manner. 

4. The whole congregation ought to unite in sing¬ 
ing the praises of God, and not leave this delightful 
part of worship to a few. 

5. The congregation ought to be well supplied 
with books, so that every one could join in singing, 
without stopping to have the minister parcel out the 
psalm or hymn by line. 

SECTION IV. 

PRAYER. 

Prayer is “ an offering up our desires to God, for 
things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ. ” 

2. Every person should learn to pray; otherwise 
he might be considered as dumb before God. 

3. It is just as fit that the Christian should learn 
to address his Father in heaven as that a child should 
learn to speak to its earthly parents. 

4. Every minister especially should, by careful 
reading and meditation, and by communion with God 
in secret, endeavor to acquire both the spirit and the 
gift of prayer. 

5. He should study that variety of expression in 
prayer, that will enable him to offer suitable and appro¬ 
priate petitions at a throne of grace on all occasions. 

6. Prayer is an indispensable part of the services 
of the sanctuary, and every member of the congre¬ 
gation ought to unite with the minister in his sup- 
plications to the Father of all mercies. 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


101 


7. Prayer after sermon ought to have relation to 
the subject treated of in the discourse. 

SECTION Y. 

PREACHING THE WORD. 

Preaching of the word is one of the chief means 
God uses to reclaim the world from wickedness, and 
to propagate a knowledge of himself throughout the 
earth. 

2. Every minister, then, ought to apply himself 
diligently to the duties of his profession, that he may 
prove himself a workman that needeth not to be 
ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. 

3. Ministers ought to prepare their sermons with 
care, by study, meditation and prayer; always ad¬ 
hering closely to the simplicity of the gospel. 

4. The preacher should never appear ostentatious 
or affected in the pulpit, nor indeed anywhere else. 
Nothing is more unseemly and improper. 

5. Polemical discourses are not profitable, and 
public disputations and controversies tend more to 
strife than to edification. 

6. The minister ought to endeavor to express 
himself in language best suited to the capacity of his 
hearers ; he ought also to have regard to the length 
of his sermons, and not to draw out his discourses to 
a tedious length, nor make them so short as to dis¬ 
appoint expectation. 


102 


PRINCIPLES OP THE 


CHAPTER III. 

PRIVATE OR FAMILY WORSHIP. 

Ill addition to the public worship in the sanctuary, 
it is the indispensable duty of every person to wor¬ 
ship God in private. We are directed to enter into 
our closets and pray to our Father which is in secret, 
and our Father which seeth in secret shall reward us 
openly. 

2. Family worship consists in reading the Scrip¬ 
tures, prayer, and singing the praises of God. 

3. The head of the family ought to be able to 
conduct the worship at the private altar* and ought 
to consider it a sacred duty and privilege. 

4. Family worship in the evening ought not to be 
deferred to a late hour, until the children become 
sleepy and restless, but a suitable time ought to be 
adopted, and every member of the family required 
to be present. 

5. Each one ought to be taught to pay the utmost 
respect to the worship of God at all times, and to 
unite, at least, in singing his praises. 

6. When all the parts of family worship cannot 
be-conducted profitably, some may be omitted, but 
every one that has a family can at least read a chap¬ 
ter in the Bible, or sing a psalm or hymn, or take 
some part that is edifying to the household. 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


10S 


7. The early training of youth is a very important 
matter, and parents should carefully instruct their 
children and those under their charge in the princi¬ 
ples of religion, and teach them to reverence God 
and all holy things. 


I 


104 


PKINCIPLES OP THE 


CHAPTER IV. 

VISITING THE SICK. 

It is the duty of every person when he is very 
sick, or when he is greatly depressed in mind or 
spirit, to send for his minister, and to make known 
to him his spiritual condition, and to consult him on 
the concerns of his precious soul. 

2. And it is the duty of the minister to apply him¬ 
self, with all tenderness and Christian affection, to 
administer spiritual relief. 

3. Is the sick person discouraged and filed with 
doubts? the minister should read to him the promises 
of God, and show him the great love of the Re¬ 
deemer in giving his life a ransom for men. 

4. Is the sick person ignorant, and unacquainted 
with the will of God ? the minister should instruct 
him in the nature of repentance and faith, and the 
way of acceptance with God, through the mediation 
and atonement of Jesus Christ. 

5. If the minister find the sick person a thought¬ 
less and hardened sinner, he should endeavor to 
awaken his mind, to arouse his conscience, and to 
convince him of the evil and danger of sin, and to 
show him the absolute necessity of repentance and 
faith in order to his obtaining everlasting happiness. 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


105 


6. If the sick person be filled with trouble and 
anxiety, the minister should offer him the comforts 
and consolations of our holy religion. 

7. At a suitable time the minister should offer up 
an appropriate prayer in behalf of the sick person. 


l 


106 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


CHAPTER Y. 

DAYS OF FASTING AND THANKSGIVING. 

To observe days of fasting and thanksgiving on 
particular and extraordinary occasions, is both Scrip¬ 
tural and rational. 

2. Days of fasting and thanksgiving may be ob¬ 
served by individuals, families, congregations, the 
whole church, or any part thereof, or by a nation, 
when thought expedient. 

3. The judgment and discretion of individuals and 
families must determine when it is proper to observe 
a private fast or thanksgiving; and the churches must 
determine the matter for the congregations, Confer¬ 
ences for larger districts, and the Convention for the 
whole church, and the civil powers for the country, 
when we are under a Christian government. 

4. Upon such days there should be public worship 
and services suited to the occasion, accordingly as it 
may be a fast or thanksgiving. 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


107 


CHAPTER VI. 

ADMINISTRATION OF BAPTISM. 

The sacrament of baptism shall always be admin¬ 
istered by a bishop, and it ought not to be unneces¬ 
sarily delayed by any fit subject. 

2. Before baptism the minister ought to make some 
remarks showing the great importance that should 
be attached to this ordinance; that it was instituted 
by Christ, to be observed in His church forever; that 
it brings us under renewed obligations to God and 
places us in close relationship to the Redeemer. 

3. An appropriate prayer should then be offered 
up; after which, the minister shall proceed to ad¬ 
minister the ordinance. 

4. If the S4ibject be an adult, the minister shall 
say : ie In obedience to the command of my Lord and 
Master, and upon the profession of your faith, my 
brother, (or sister, as the case may be,) I baptize 
thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost.” 

5. If the subject be not an adult, the minister 
may omit the first two clauses, and substitute the 
name of the person, saying, “ I baptize thee,” &c. 

6. A suitable hymn might also be sung previous 
to the baptism. 


108 


PRINCIPLES OP THE 


CHAPTER VII. 

ADMINISTRATION OP THE LORD’S SUPPER. 

How often the Supper of the Lord is to be cele¬ 
brated, may be determined by the minister and con¬ 
gregation, but it ought to be at least four times in 
the year. 

2. The most suitable time, perhaps, is on the Sab¬ 
bath, directly after sermon, of which notice should 
be given beforehand, that each member of the con¬ 
gregation may have his mind and heart properly 
prepared for this holy communion. 

3. At the proper time the pastor ought to give 
some instruction to those present, showing that every 
Christian ought to partake of this sacrament in re¬ 
membrance of Christ, and that it is designed to show 
forth the Lord’s death till he come ; that by it we are 
strengthened and supported under troubles, and en¬ 
couraged with the comfortable assurance of eternal 
life. 

4. He ought also to warn the unworthy, and im¬ 
press the necessity of self examination, that none 
may eat or drink, not discerning the Lord’s body. 

5. All true Christians, to whatever denomination 
they may belong, should be invited to the commun¬ 
ion. 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


109 


6. The elements should be set apart by prayer and 
thanksgiving, after which the minister shall break 
the bread before the people, saying, in this manner, 

“ Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which 
he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given 
thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat; this is my 
body, which is broken for you; this do in remem¬ 
brance of me.” 

The officiating minister shall here present the bread to the 
Elders, Licentiates, and Deacons present, partaking himself; 
after which, he shall hand the bread to the Deacons of the 
church, to be distributed among the brethren and sisters. 

Having given the bread into the hands of the Deacons, and it 
having been distributed, he shall take the cup, saying : 

“ This cup is the new testament in my blood; 
this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of 
me” 

Then shall the Elders, 'Licentiates, and Deacons drink and 
' distribute as before. 

7. The minister and deacons can partake at such 
time as may appear most convenient. 

8. A hymn may now be sung, and other service 
performed, as may be thought expedient; after 
which, the congregation shall be dismissed with the 
apostolic benediction. 


110 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


CHAPTER VIII. 

SOLEMNIZATION OE MARRIAGE; 

Marriage was instituted by God, and is the union 
of one man and one woman; and they should never 
be within the degrees of consanguinity or affinity 
prohibited by the Word of Inspiration. 

2. Marriage ought to take place only between per¬ 
sons that are capable of making their own choice, 
and be solemnized by ministers of the gospel when¬ 
ever convenient. 

3. If the parties desiring to be married are under 
age, they ought first to obtain the consent of their 
parents, or guardians, or show that there is no reason¬ 
able objection why they should not be joined together 
in the marriage relation. 

4. The Minister having received a license, or being 
satisfied that the parties may rightfully be united in 
the state of matrimony, at the time and place ap¬ 
pointed, the persons to be married shall appear be¬ 
fore him, the man on the right hand, and the woman 
on the left. 

The Minister shall then say : 

Beloved Friends: We are gathered together here 
in the sight of God and in the presence of these 


CHKISTIAIST CHUKCH. 


Ill 


witnesses, to join together ......... .. and 

• . .., in the holy state of matrimony. 

Therefore, if any present can show any just cause 
why they may not be joined together, let them now 
speak, or else hereafter forever hold their peace. 

Addressing the parties to be married, the Minister shall say: 

My Friends: You are now about to take upon 
yourselves a, most important responsibility, and I 
charge you both, as ye will answer in the judgment, 
when the secrets of all hearts shall be made known, 
that if either of you know any just cause why you 
should not be united in matrimony, that you make 
it known. 

Join your right hands. 

The Minister then, calling the man by name, shall say: 

., wilt thou have this woman to thy 

wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance, 
in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love 
her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and 
in health ; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only 
unto her, so long as ye both shall live ? 

The man shall answer — I will. 


The Minister then, calling the woman by name, shall say: 

^ h - A J *£ 

... . 7 . "rA ., wilt thou have this man to thy 

wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordi¬ 
nance, in the holy estate of matrimony ? Wilt thou 
obey him, serve him, love, honor and keep him in 






112 


PRINCIPLES OP THE 


sickness and in health ; and, forsaking all others, keep 
thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live? 

The woman shall answer— I will. 

The Minister shall then say : 

Forasmuch as these two persons have consented to¬ 
gether in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same 
before God and these witnesses, I pronounce that they 
be husband and wife, so long as*they both shall live. 

The Minister shall then offer the following prayer, standing. 
The company reverently bowing their heads : 

O, Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all man¬ 
kind, giver of all spiritual grace, the author of ever¬ 
lasting life, send thy blessings upon these thy ser¬ 
vants, this man and this woman, that as Isaac and 
Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons 
may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant 
betwixt them made, and may ever remain in perfect 
love and peace together, and live according to thy 
laws ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

CEREMONY WHEN A RING IS USED. 

With the persons to be married before him, the Minister shall 
say: 

Beloved Friends: We are gathered together here 
in the sight of God and in the presence of these wit¬ 
nesses, to join together in the holy estate of matri¬ 
mony . and. There¬ 

fore, if any present can show any just cause why 




CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


113 


they may not be joined together, let them now speak, 
or else hereafter forever hold their peace. 

To the couple: 

My Friends: You are now about to perform one 
of the most important acts of your whole life, in¬ 
volving, as it necessarily does, your future w r eal or 
woe. And let me impress upon you the truth that 
your happiness can only be secured by a faithful dis¬ 
charge of all the duties of the relation which you 
are now about to assume to each other ; and be sure 
that nothing will aid you so much in the discharge 
of these duties as the Christian religion. It is the 
unfailing fountain from which flows all those affec¬ 
tions and graces which^ adorn and beautify the hu¬ 
man character, and which strengthens and perfects 
those ties which love weaves round the heart; and 
when the trials of life shall come, as come they will, 
it will enable you to sympathize with and aid each 
other in bearing them, and its light will cheer you 
amid the gloom of sorrow’s darkest hours. 

The Minister asks the gentleman for the ring, and holding it 
in his hand, says : 

This ring is an emblem of virtuous love, for, like it, 
it is pure, and when exposed to fiery trials, it is not 
destroyed, but is refined, and shines with a richer lustre. 
Its form, being a circle, is without end. It is, there¬ 
fore, a suitable pledge to be given and received as a 
token of your love,w r hich should not only last through 
this life, but should be continued with eternity. 


114 


PRINCIPLES OF THE 


The Minister gives the ring to the gentleman to place on the 
fourth finger of the left hand of the lady. 

Join your right hands. 

., will you have this woman, whom 

you hold by the right hand, to be your lawful wife; 
•and will you pledge yourself before God and these 
here assembled, to be to her a faithful, affectionate, 
and loving husband, so long as ye both shall live? 

Answer — I will. 

., will you have the man whom you 

hold by the right hand to be your lawful husband, 
and will you pledge yourself before God and these 
here assembled, to be to him a faithful, affectionate, 
obedient, and loving wife, as long as ye both shall live? 

Answer — I will. 

PRAYER. 

0, Eternal God, our Heavenly Father, send thy 
blessings upon these thy servants, and give them 
grace to receive them under a deep sense of thy good^ 
ness in bestowing them, and to behold and enjoy the 
same with hearts lifted to thee in gratitude and love. 
Give them grace to discharge their duties to each 
other, and all with whom they may be in any way 
related. Give them a full measure of thy spirit as a 
seal that they are thy children. Lead them by thy 
hand to paths of peace and safety, and at last receive 
them to thyself in glory, through Jesus Christ, our 
Lord. Amen. 

I pronounce you husband and wife. 




CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


il5 


CHAPTER IX. 

BURIAL OR THE DEAD. 

When any person departs this life, due respect and 
attention should be paid to the body, and it ought 
to be kept a proper and sufficient time before inter¬ 
ment. 

2. The minister ought, if invited, but as pastor, it 
is his duty, to offer the ^omforts of religion to the 
bereaved, and console them by the promises of God, 
and otherwise improve the occasion as may be 
thought expedient. 

3. If a sermon is to be preached, or an address in 
memory of the deceased is to be delivered, and the 
services are to be performed in the church, the Min¬ 
ister shall meet the corpse at the door, and passing 
before it to the altar, shall repeat the following pas¬ 
sages : 

I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord : 
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet 
shall he live ; and whosoever liveth, and believeth in 
me, shall never die. John 11: 25, 26. 

I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall 
stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though, 
after my skin, worms destroy this body, yet in my 


115 


PKINCIPLES OF THE 


flesh shall I see God ; whom I shall see for myself, 
and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. Job 
19: 25, 26, 27. 

Ascending the pulpit, or standing in the altar, the following 
lesson shall be read: 

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and be¬ 
come the first fruits of them that slept. For since 
by man came death, by man came also the resurrec¬ 
tion of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so 
in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man 
in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward 
they that are Christ’s, at his coming. Then cometh 
the end, when he shall have delivered up the king¬ 
dom to God, even the Father; when he shall have 
put down all rule, and all authority, and power. 
For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under 
his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is 
death. For he hath put all things under his feet. 
But when he saith, all things are put under him, it 
is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all 
things under him. And when all things shall be 
subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself 
be subject unto him that put all things under him, 
that God may be all in all. Else what shall they do 
which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not 
at all ? Why are they then baptized for the dead ? 
and why stand we in jeopardy every hour ? I pro¬ 
test by your rejoicing, which I have in Christ Jesus 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


117 


our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men 
I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advan- 
tageth it me, if the dead rise not ? let us eat and 
drink, for to-morrow we die. Be not deceived : evil 
communications corrupt good manners. Awake to 
righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the 
knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. 
But some man will say, How are the dead raised up ? 
and with what body do they come? Thou fool! 
that which thou so west is not quickened, except it 
die. And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not 
that body that shall be, buijbare grain, it may chance 
of wheat, or of some other grain. But God giveth 
it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed 
his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh ; but 
there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of 
beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There 
are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial; but 
the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the 
terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, 
and another glory of the moon, and another glory of 
the stars; for one star differeth from another star in 
glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It 
is sown in corruption ; it is raised in incorruption: it 
is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is 
sown in weakness ; it is raised in power : it is sown 
a natural body ; it is raised a spiritual body. There 
is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And 
so it is written, The first man Adam was made a 


118 


PKINCIPLES OF THE 


living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening 
spirit. Howbeit, that was not first which is spirit¬ 
ual, but that which is natural; and afterward that 
which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, 
earthy : the second man is the Lord from heaven. 
As is the earthy, such are they that are earthy: and 
as is the heavenly, such are they also that are 
heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the 
earthy, w r e shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood can¬ 
not inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth cor¬ 
ruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I show you a 
mystery : we shall not all sleep, but v T e shall all be 
changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, 
at the last trump : for the trumpet shall sound, and 
the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall 
be changed. For this corruptible must put on in¬ 
corruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorrup¬ 
tion, and this mortal shall have put on immortality; 
then shall be brought to pass the saying that is writ¬ 
ten, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, 
where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 
The sting of death is sin ; and the strength of sin is 
the Law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us 
the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. There¬ 
fore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmove¬ 
able, always abounding in the work of the Lord, 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


110 

forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain 
in the Lord. I Cor. 15 : 20. 

After the lesson, a suitable hymn shall be read and 
sung. 

[ Singing may be dispensed with, and when the services are 
performed in a private house, should always be. ] 

Then shall follow an appropriate prayer. After 
which the sermon or address shall be delivered. 

The pall-bearers selected shall then bear thebody to 
the grave, the minister and undertaker walking before 
it, and the family and friericTs following in the rear. 

On arriving at the grave, after the body is lowered, 
the minister, taking his position at the head of the 
grave, shall say: 

Man that is born of a woman is of few days and 
full of trouble. He cometh forth as a flower, and is 
cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth 
not. All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof 
is as the flower of the field. They are like grass that 
groweth up : In the morning it flourisheth ; in the 
evening it is cut down and withereth. For here 
have we no continuing city. 

Lord, make me to know mine end and the mea¬ 
sure of my days, what it is: that I may know how 
frail I am. Behold thou hast made my days as a 
hand-breadth, and mine age is as nothing before thee; 
verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. 

We brought nothing into this world, and it is cer¬ 
tain we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave and 


120 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 


the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord. 

Continuing, the minister shall say : 

Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God, in 
his wise providence, to take out of this clayey taber¬ 
nacle the soul that inhabited it, we therefore commit 
the decaying to their kindred element; earth to 
earth; ashes to ashes; dust to dust; (here earth 
should be sprinkled upon the coffin ,) looking for the 
general resurrection, through our Lord Jesus Christ, 
at whose coming to judge the world, the earth and 
the sea shall give up their dead ; and the corruptible 
bodies of those who sleep in Him, shall be made like 
unto his own glorious body, according to the mighty 
working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto 
himself. 

THE LORD’S PRATER. 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy 
name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on 
earth as it is in heaven : give us this day our daily 
bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive 
them that trespass against us : and lead us not into 
temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen* 

THE BENEDICTION. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with 
the bereaved ones and all of us forevermore. Amen. 

The grave may then be closed by the undertaker 
and his assistants, and the company may retire, 


INDEX 


PAGE. 

Preface .. 3 

Introduction. 9 

PRINCIPLES OF THE CHURCH. 

CHAPTER I. 

The Church..T. 11 

CHAPTER II. 

Christian Church. 14 

CHAPTER III. 

Principles of the Church. 18 

CHAPTER IV. 

Sentiments of the Church. 22 

Of God. 23 

Of the Son. 26 

Of the Holy Ghost. 28 

Of the Holy Scriptures. 30 

Of Human Depravity. 33 

Of Repentance and Faith. 33 

Of the Resurrection. 35 

Of the Last Judgment. 36 

Of the Punishment of the Wicked. 37 

Of the Rewards of the Righteous. 38 

Of Baptism. 40 

Of the Lord’s Supper. 40 

GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH. 

Introduction. 43 





















cxxn 


INDEX. 


CHAPTER I. 

PAGE. 

A Particular Church. 44 

Organization. 44 

Reception of Members. 46 

Duties of the Church . 48 

Duties of Members. 60 

Duties of the Secretary. 51 

Duties of Collector and Treasurer. 52 

Duties of the Sexton. 52 

CHAPTER II. 

Officers of the Church. 54 

Bishops or Pastors. 54 

Deacons. 56 

Licentiates. 57 

Certificate of Licensure. 60 

Ordination of Deacons. 61 

Ordination of Elders. 63 

Certificate of Ordination. 68 

CHAPTER III. 

Conferences. 70 

Organization. 71 

Duties of Officers. 72 

Business of Conference. 72 

CHAPTER IV. 

Convention. 76 

Organization of. 76 

Duties of Officers. 78 

Business of Convention. 79 

CHAPTER V. 

Offences or Misdemeanors. 82 

Private Offences. 82 

Public Offences. 84 

Process against a Private Person. 85 






























INDEX. cxxiii 

PAGE. 

Process against an Elder or Minister. 88 

Process against a Church. 90 

Witnesses. 91 

Jurisdiction. 92 


DIRECTORY FOR RELIGIOUS WORSHIP. 


CHAPTER I. 

The Sabbath. 95 

Benefits of the Sabbath. 95 

How it should be kept. 96 

CHAPTER II. 

Public Worship. 98 

Assembling of the People. 98 

Reading of the Scriptures. 99 

Singing. 99 

Prayer. 100 

Preaching the Word. 101 

CHAPTER III. 

Private or Eamily Worship. 102 

CHAPTER IV. 

Visiting the Sick. 104 

CHAPTER V. 

Days of Fasting and Thanksgiving. 106 

CHAPTER VI. 

Administration of Baptism. 107 

CHAPTER VII. 

Administration of the Lord’s Supper. 108 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Solemnization of Marriage...... 110 

CHAPTER IX. 

Burial of the Dead. 115 































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